Module2 (2 of 3)

Types of ecosystem:

There are several ecosystems working at micro and macro level in the world.
The biosphere is the biggest ecosystem which combines all the ecosystem of the
world. The world’s smaller ecosystems are broadly divided in to natural and
artificial type ecosystem: -

Natural ecosystem: -

They operate by themselves under natural conditions without any interference

by humans.
There are two natural ecosystems:
1. Terrestrial ecosystem
2. Aquatic ecosystem
Terrestrial ecosystem:
They are known by the help of main vegetation in them.
For example: Grassland ecosystem has grass as the main vegetation.

Aquatic ecosystem:

They are known by the type of habitat. They can be estuarine, marine and
freshwater types of ecosystem. The freshwater ecosystem can be of standing
freshwater ecosystem (or lentic ecosystem) or running fresh water ecosystem
(or lotic ecosystem).

For example: - Ponds, lakes etc are examples of lentic ecosystem and rivers,
springs etc are example of lotic ecosystem.

Artificial ecosystem:

These ecosystems are controlled and manipulated by humans. These are created
by humans in order to fulfil certain needs.

Artificial ecosystems are two types: -

1. Agricultural ecosystem
2. Aquaculture ecosystem