The Ecosystem

The Ecosystem

Ecosystem is a community of living and non-living things that work together. Each part of an ecosystem has a role to play. Any changes in the environment such as increased temperature or heavy rains, can have a big impact on an ecosystem.

Ecosystems can be either natural or artificial.

Activity 1: Think of the objects in your home. Just keep in mind, the books, toys, furniture, food materials and even pets of your home. These living and non-living things together make your home. Look at the following picture and list out the living and non-living things.

Natural ecosystem

Ecosystem originated without human intervention is called a natural ecosystem. This can be an aquatic ecosystem or a terrestrial ecosystem.

The ecosystem in water is called aquatic ecosystem. Sea, river, lake, pond and puddle are some examples of natural aquatic ecosystem.

Ecosystems outside the water body and on land are called terrestrial ecosystems.

Forests, Mountain regions, deserts etc., are examples of natural terrestrial ecosystems.

Artificial ecosystem

Artificial ecosystems are created and maintained by human. They have some of the characteristics of natural ecosystems. They are much simpler than the natural ecosystems.

These can be the terrestrial ecosystems such as paddy fields, gardens etc. or the aquatic ecosystem such as fish tank.

Aquarium:

Aquarium is a place in which fish and other water creatures and plants are maintained. An aquarium can be a small tank, or a large building with one or more large tanks.

Terrarium:

Terrarium is a place in which live terrestrial animals and plants are kept. Plants and animals are kept in a terrarium with controlled conditions that copy their natural environment

Aquariums and Terrariums are used to observe animals and plants more closely. They are also used for decorations.