Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems
Abiotic Factors in Terrestrial Ecosystems
Temperature
Temperature experiences significant daily and seasonal variations, decreasing with altitude and increasing towards the poles from the Equator. Proximity to bodies of water also influences temperature.
Light
Light greatly influences both plants and animals.
Humidity
Humidity is the amount of water present in the air, fundamental for organisms to perform their vital functions.
Climatic Zones
- Cool Zone: Between the poles and polar circles.
- Warm Zone: Between the polar circles and tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
Main Terrestrial Ecosystems
- Cold: Cold desert, tundra, and taiga.
- Temperate: Steppe, deciduous forest, and Mediterranean forest.
- Warm: Equatorial forest, tropical forest, savanna, and warm desert.
Examples of Natural Terrestrial Ecosystems
High Mountain
Examples include Rebco, alcon, and broom.
Laurel Forest
Examples include laurel, Cleopatra butterfly, mosses, and hawk.
Examples of Humanized Terrestrial Ecosystems
Crops
Examples include voles, rabbits, and crnicalo.
Parks and Gardens
Examples include ducks, cats, insects, and birds.
Abiotic Factors in Aquatic Environments
Light
Light is an important factor influencing the presence of photosynthetic organisms. It decreases with depth, creating the photic (lit) zone and aphotic (dark) zone.
Temperature
Temperature is more stable in aquatic ecosystems than in terrestrial ones.
Pressure
Pressure increases with depth (hydrostatic pressure).
Salinity
Salinity is very stable in the ocean.
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved oxygen is less abundant in water than in air.
Classification of Aquatic Organisms
- Plankton: Live floating and immobile; includes phytoplankton and zooplankton.
- Nekton: Actively swim and move with ease.
- Benthos: Live fixed to the bottom.
Marine Ecosystems
According to Depth
- Bathyal Zone: 200m to 2000m.
- Abyssal Zone: +2000m.
According to Distance from Shore
- Neritic Zone: Over the continental shelf.
- Oceanic Zone: Beyond the continental shelf.
Freshwater Ecosystems
- Running Water: Rivers, torrents.
- Standing Water: Lakes, ponds, swamps. Includes littoral, open water, and deep zones.
Examples of Marine Ecosystems
Intertidal areas and seagrass beds.
Examples of Freshwater Ecosystems
Rivers, ravines, streams, lakes, ponds, and salt marshes.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is used in ecology to quantify the number of species that have lived or currently live on Earth.
Soil
Soil is the superficial layer covering the Earth’s crust. Its thickness is variable and consists of materials produced by the weathering of rocks and the activity of living organisms.
Soil Biotope (Inorganic Components)
- Solid: Gravel, sand, silt, clay.
- Liquid: Water and dissolved salts.
- Gaseous: Air in the pores.
Soil Biocenosis (Organic Components)
Plants produce organic matter and contribute to soil erosion. Small mammals, insects, fungi, and bacteria form humus.
Soil Destruction
Soil destruction is caused by atmospheric phenomena, living beings, and human actions such as deforestation, forest fires, overgrazing, abusive crops, salinization, public works, and urban expansion.