Ecosystems
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) and their physical environment (air, water, and soil) that interact with each other as a unit. It includes both the living and nonliving components of an environment and the relationships between them. The term ecosystem can refer to a variety of scales, from a small pond to a vast rainforest or the entire planet.
In an ecosystem, the various species interact with one another and with their surroundings in a variety of ways. These interactions can be competitive, such as when two species compete for the same limited resources. They can also be cooperative, such as when different species work together to achieve a common goal. The overall health of an ecosystem depends on the balance of these interactions. If one species becomes too numerous or too dominant, it can upset the delicate balance and have negative effects on the other species in the ecosystem. This is why it is important to protect and preserve ecosystems, to ensure that they can continue to support a diverse array of life.
Ecosystems are constantly changing and evolving, and they play a vital role in the health and functioning of the planet. They provide a range of benefits to humans, including food, medicine, clean air, and water, as well as recreational and aesthetic value.
A biome is a large, distinct region of the Earth that is characterized by a particular climate and a unique set of plants and animals. There are many different biomes on Earth, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Some of the main biomes of the Earth include:
Tropical rainforest: A tropical rainforest is a dense, moist, and warm biome that is found near the equator. It is characterized by high levels of rainfall, a wide variety of plant and animal species, and a canopy of tall trees.
Desert: A desert is a dry, arid biome with sparse vegetation and few animal species. Deserts can be hot or cold, and are found in areas where there is little rainfall.
Taiga: The taiga, also known as the boreal forest, is a cold, coniferous biome found in the northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers.
Tundra: The tundra is a cold, treeless biome found in the Arctic region. It is characterized by permafrost (permanently frozen ground) and a lack of trees due to the extreme cold.
Grassland: A grassland is a biome characterized by grasses and other herbaceous plants. It can be found in areas with moderate rainfall, and is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
Temperate forest: A temperate forest is a biome found in the middle latitudes of the Earth. It has a moderate climate, with warm summers and cold winters, and is characterized by deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the fall.
What are the differences between Biome and Ecosystem?
A biome is a large area characterized by its climate, vegetation, and animal life. Biomes are often defined by the dominant plants and animals that live within them and are adapted to the conditions of that particular environment. Examples of biomes include forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra, and oceans.
An ecosystem is a smaller unit that includes all of the living and nonliving things in a specific area, as well as the interactions between them. Ecosystems can be as small as a puddle or as large as a forest, and they can be found within biomes or other larger areas. An ecosystem includes all the living organisms in an area, as well as the abiotic (nonliving) factors that they interact with, such as water, sunlight, temperature, and soil.
In summary, a biome is a large area characterized by its climate and the plants and animals that live within it, while an ecosystem is a smaller unit that includes all of the living and nonliving things in a specific area, along with the interactions between them.
How to set up a small experimental ecosystem?
Setting up a small ecosystem in a jar/ bottle is, also known as a terrarium. Here are the steps you can follow to create your own terrarium:
Choose a clean, clear glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. The jar should be large enough to hold the plants and other materials you want to include in your terrarium.
Prepare the bottom layer of your terrarium by adding a layer of gravel or small stones to the bottom of the jar. This will help with drainage and prevent the plants' roots from sitting in standing water.
Add a layer of soil on top of the gravel. Use a soil mix specifically formulated for terrariums or create your own by mixing equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite.
Select the plants you want to include in your terrarium. Choose small, slow-growing plants that will thrive in a closed environment. Avoid using plants that require a lot of light or have high moisture needs.
Plant your plants in the soil, making sure to leave enough space between them for growth. Water the plants lightly to help them settle into their new home.
Add any other elements you want to include in your terrarium, such as small rocks, moss, or figurines.
Close the lid of the jar or bottle to create the closed ecosystem. Place your terrarium in a spot that gets indirect sunlight and monitor the moisture levels inside. If the soil becomes too dry, mist the inside of the jar with a spray bottle to increase the humidity.
To know how to make an closed ecosystem in a jar watch the given video.
Observations to make in an ecosystem
There are many different things that you can observe in a jar ecosystem, depending on the specific species and processes that you include in the jar. Some things that you might observe in a jar ecosystem include:
The growth and development of the different species in the jar, including plants and animals.
The interactions between different species, such as how they interact with each other and how they affect the environment.
The effects of changes in the environment, such as changes in temperature or the availability of light or nutrients, on the different species in the jar.
The flow of energy and matter within the ecosystem, including the transfer of energy through the food web and the cycling of nutrients through the ecosystem.
The impacts of perturbations, such as the introduction of a new species or the removal of a keystone species, on the balance of the ecosystem.
By carefully observing and documenting these and other processes in a jar ecosystem, you can gain valuable insights into the functioning and dynamics of an ecosystem.