| Terrestrial Ecosystems: Types, Environmental Factors & Ecological Significance |
Terrestrial Ecosystems: Land-Based Ecological Communities
A terrestrial ecosystem is a distinct ecological community of organisms, both living and nonliving, that inhabit and interact within a land-based environment. These ecosystems encompass a vast range of terrestrial habitats, from lush forests and expansive grasslands to arid deserts and frozen tundras.
Terrestrial Ecosystems: Types on Earth
These ecosystems are predominantly found on land
Following diagram depicts the different types of terrestrial ecosystems.
Environmental Factors That Shape Terrestrial Ecosystems Around the Globe
- They are found in a particular place are dependent on factors like:
- Topography
- Altitudinal and latitudinal variations
- Quality of soil
- Amount of light
- Amount of precipitation
- Temperature range etc.
- Topography: It is the physical features of the land’s surface which has a significant impact on terrestrial ecosystems.
- Altitude: Higher altitudes are associated with cooler temperatures. They lead to the formation of alpine ecosystems.
- Slope: The steepness of slopes can affect water drainage, soil erosion, and the types of vegetation that can grow.
- Aspect (Orientation): The direction a slope influences its exposure to sunlight and temperature. This can create microclimates and influence the types of plants and animals present.
- Valleys: Valleys generally have more fertile soil, thus supporting lush vegetation compared to the surrounding hills or mountains.
- Natural Barriers: Mountains, hills, and other topographic barriers can isolate ecosystems, leading to the development of unique flora and fauna in different regions.
- Altitudinal and Latitudinal Variations: They have significant effects on terrestrial ecosystems.
- Altitude: Increase in altitude leads to generally decrease in temperatures. This temperature gradient influences the types of ecosystems found at different elevations.
- Latitude: Latitudinal variations primarily influence temperature and climate.
- Near the equator, tropical ecosystems experience consistently warm temperatures and high rainfall, while closer to the poles, temperate and polar ecosystems have colder temperatures.
- Quality of Soil: Soil has a profound impact on ecosystem structure, function, and health.
- Soil serves as a reservoir for essential nutrients.
- Soil provides physical support and anchorage for plants.
- Amount of precipitation: Precipitation has a significant impact on terrestrial ecosystems.
- Precipitation influences various aspects of ecosystems, including plant growth, animal behavior, and overall ecosystem structure.
- Temperature range: Temperature is a critical abiotic factor that has a profound effect on the ecosystem’s structure, function, and the organisms that inhabit it.
- Species locality: Different species have varying temperature tolerances, and the temperature range dictates which species can thrive in a particular area.
- For example: Cold-adapted species are found in polar regions, while heat-tolerant species inhabit tropical ecosystems.
Conclusion
- They are dynamic and diverse environments that cover the Earth’s surfaces.
They play a vital role in supporting life on our planet and offer numerous ecosystem services, including food production, carbon sequestration, water purification, and recreational opportunities.
