Ecosystems

What is an ecosystem?

An ecosystem is a functional unit or habitat that contains living organisms such as plants, animals, and micro-organisms.

Ecosystems also contain non-living physical and chemical factors like rocks, soil, and climate.

Definition continued: In an ecosystem living and non-living

elements rely on each other in order to create a functioning system.

Ecosystems Classifications: Natural Ecosystems: Ecosystems that are

created by nature. Examples of natural ecosystems include lakes formed by nature, forests, and coral reefs

Artificial Ecosystems: Ecosystems that are man-made. Artificial reefs, fish aquariums, and terrariums are examples of artificial ecosystems.

Types of Ecosystems: Desert Coniferous Forest Deciduous Forest Tropical

Rainforest Grasslands Tundra Marine

Taiga Greater

Yellowstone Pond Swamp Urban Coral Reef Prairie

Elements of Ecosystems: Living organisms (Animals, plants,

micro-organisms) Landscape Climate conditions Food chains Locations (In what part of the world are

they found, include a country?)