Ecosystems Are: Definition, Components, Types, Along with Examples

Do you still remember your 5th grade science lesson about ecosystems? Ecosystem is the process of interaction between organisms and their environment.

Ecosystems, or so-called ecological systems, mediate the exchange of materials between living and non-living parts of the system. You can see how ecosystems work well in tropical rain forests, deciduous forests, savanna forests and grasslands.

In these natural ecosystems, there is a symmetrical interaction between organisms and their environment to form a healthy ecosystem.

Understanding Ecosystem

Ecosystem is an ecological system that is formed from reciprocal relationships between living things and the surrounding environment. Ecosystem can also be interpreted as a single structure that is intact and comprehensive that occurs between environmental elements that influence each other.

There are many types of ecosystems on this planet, from terrestrial ecosystems to marine ecosystems. All of these biological systems are important to the living things within them.

Ecosystem Components

An ecosystem or ecological system contains two components. An ecosystem stimulated by biotic and abiotic elements.

Biological components is a component related to the constituent variables of an organism. Examples of biological components are humans, plants, animals, bacteria and fungi.

While the abiotic components are the constituent variables of abiotic or abiotic ecosystems. Examples of abiotic components are elements such as water, soil, air, temperature, light and sunlight.

However, these two components play quite a fundamental role in forming a strong and functional ecosystem. In short, these two components are inseparable in a complete ecosystem.

Ecosystem Type

According to the book Marine Biology, An Ecological Approach There are two types of ecosystems that are distinguished by their environment:

terrestrial Ecosystem, namely ecosystems whose physical environment is land. This is reflected in examples of terrestrial ecosystems such as rainforests, grasslands and wet forests.

aquatic Ecosystem, An ecosystem whose physical environment is water. These ecosystems are divided into two categories, namely freshwater ecosystems and marine ecosystems. Freshwater ecosystems are characterized by inconspicuous temperature fluctuations, low incidence of light, and high effects of climate and weather.

Ecosystem Example

There are many ecosystems on earth. Here are two examples of ecosystems:

1. Paddy Ecosystem

Paddy Field Ecosystem is a man-made ecosystem created to meet food needs, as described in the book Natural Sciences. The plants that grow in these places are mainly used as food like rice. Rice acts as a source of energy and material for other beings there.

2. Marine Ecosystem

Quoted from p2k.unkris.ac.id, marine ecosystems or marine ecosystems are ecosystems in the oceans, including deep oceans, shallow sandy beaches, and tidal ecosystems. The characteristics of this ecosystem are 

• Has high salinity
• Salt content can reach 75 percent.
• Not affected by climate or weather.
• There is a temperature difference between the surface and the inside.

That's the description of the ecosystem. Knowing more about ecosystems makes us more aware of protecting our natural environment. This affects the stability of the ecosystem we live in. Hope this article can help you!