Types of Ecosystem:
We can classify ecosystems as follows:
Natural Ecosystems:
These ecosystems are capable of operating and maintaining themselves without any major interference by man.
A classification based on their habitat can further be made:
- Terrestrial ecosystems: forest, grassland and desert.
- Aquatic ecosystems: freshwater ecosystem, viz. pond, lake, river and marine ecosystems, viz. ocean, sea or estuary. Aquatic ecosystems are ecosystems present in a body of water.
These can be further divided into two types, namely:
- Freshwater Ecosystem
- Marine Ecosystem
Freshwater Ecosystem
- The freshwater ecosystem is an aquatic ecosystem that includes lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and wetlands.
- These have no salt content in contrast with the marine ecosystem.
Marine Ecosystem:
- The marine ecosystem includes seas and oceans.
- These have a larger salt content and greater biodiversity in comparison to the freshwater ecosystem.
Artificial Ecosystem:
These are maintained by man. These are manipulated by man for different purposes, e.g., croplands, artificial lakes and reservoirs, townships and cities.
