The 6 types of ecosystems: the different habitats we find on Earth
Nature is characterized by always finding a way to adapt to circumstances. However, it does not do so homogeneously, nor through a single element. On the surface of our planet, for example, the main units that show variations in the landscape and the forms of life that inhabit it are called ecosystems .
Ecosystems are much more than just “styles” with which the earth’s surface is decorated. In fact, not only do they foster the emergence of one or another type of animal, plant or micro-organism species, but there are also theorists who point out that they have radically influenced the development of different human cultures and civilizations: the way they developed habits and ways of thinking, and also the way they gained or lost power.
Ecosystem types
Next we will see the main types of ecosystems, with their climatic, biological and orographic variations .
1. Marine Ecosystem
It is the largest type of ecosystem, since covers most of the earth’s surface : approximately 70%. Despite the fact that large extensions of the different oceans have little concentration of vertebrates, the mineral-rich water that contains life bulges practically everywhere.
The sea grasses of algae, the coral reefs and the fumaroles of the great marine depths stand out.
2. Freshwater ecosystems
Lakes and rivers are also water-based, but they are very different ecosystems from those of the seas and oceans.
In turn, there are different subtypes of freshwater ecosystems: lentic systems, lotics and wetlands . The former are composed of lakes and ponds, and in them water moves very slowly. The latter, on the other hand, are made up of rivers, in which the water slides quickly due to gravity and the relief of the landscape. In wetlands, the elements of the ecosystem are saturated with water.
In this kind of ecosystem, small and medium-sized vertebrate types predominate, since there is not much space in which to develop. Some of the larger animals we can find are fishes of the size of catfish or sturgeon, certain river-going sharks (like the bull shark), rays and a species of seal that inhabits the lakes of Finland.
3. Desert ecosystem
Deserts are characterized by the very low frequency of rainfall. Neither the fauna nor the flora is very varied, since few large forms of life can subsist in such harsh conditions , and therefore alterations in a species produce very severe chain effects.
Cactus and certain thin-leaved shrubs are typical desert plants, while reptiles, some birds and small or medium-sized mammals can also adapt well to the climate.
4. Mountain ecosystem
The very pronounced reliefs form mountains and plateaus whose verticality forms another kind of ecosystem due to the climatic and atmospheric conditions characteristic of these areas. In these areas animal life is usually very noticeable in low and medium areas , although not on the steep peaks.
Animals such as chamois, ibexes and certain types of wolf, as well as birds of prey such as vultures and eagles, are often found in this habitat. On the other hand, in snowy areas biodiversity is reduced, and life forms must try to camouflage themselves.
5. Forest ecosystem
This type of ecosystem is characterized by the density of trees or flora in general. It can be divided into jungle, dry forest, temperate forest and taiga. In cases where there are many trees together, the diversity of animal species is usually very high.
It should be noted, however, that height plays an important role in the presence of flora . In many places. Above 2500 meters above sea level no trees grow.
Forests are wooded areas in which the presence of a few tree species prevails.
6. Artificial ecosystem
The artificial ecosystem is one in which the action of human beings has created spaces radically different from those that existed until a few millennia ago.
The presence of buildings, skyscrapers and large areas covered by lights, cement and pavement means that some species are adapted to these environments and others are not. Some clear examples of these pioneering animals are the pigeons and the Argentinean parrots of many big cities of the world, as well as the cats. These animals benefit from the abundance of food and the relative absence of predators resulting from the presence of humans in the vicinity.