Terrestrial ecosystems

Definition

Terrestrial ecosystems are communities of living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, that exist on land and interact with their physical environment. These ecosystems are characterized by distinct climate conditions, soil types, and vegetation patterns, which influence the biodiversity and ecological processes within them. Understanding these systems involves examining how energy flows through them and how nutrients cycle, which are crucial for sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Terrestrial ecosystems include various types such as forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundras, each with unique climate and biodiversity.
2. Energy flow in terrestrial ecosystems starts with sunlight being captured by primary producers, which then supports herbivores and carnivores through food chains.
3. Soil composition and structure play a significant role in determining the types of vegetation that can thrive in terrestrial ecosystems.
4. Nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems often involves processes like decomposition, where dead organic matter is broken down, returning vital nutrients to the soil.
5. Human activities such as deforestation and urbanization significantly impact terrestrial ecosystems by altering habitat structures and disrupting energy and nutrient cycles.

Review Questions

• How do energy flow and nutrient cycling interconnect in terrestrial ecosystems?
  • Energy flow in terrestrial ecosystems begins with sunlight being absorbed by primary producers like plants, which convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis. This energy then moves up the food chain as herbivores consume plants and carnivores consume herbivores. Nutrient cycling complements this energy flow as it ensures that essential elements like nitrogen and phosphorus are recycled through decomposition of organic matter. Together, these processes maintain the productivity and health of terrestrial ecosystems.
• Evaluate the impact of human activities on the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems.
  • Human activities such as agriculture, deforestation, and urbanization greatly affect terrestrial ecosystems' structure and function. For instance, deforestation can lead to habitat loss for numerous species while also disrupting nutrient cycling by removing trees that contribute to soil stability. The introduction of pollutants can alter soil chemistry and biodiversity. Consequently, these changes can diminish ecosystem resilience, making it more challenging for them to recover from disturbances or adapt to environmental changes.
• Assess the implications of biodiversity loss in terrestrial ecosystems on global ecological balance.
  • Biodiversity loss in terrestrial ecosystems can have far-reaching implications on global ecological balance. Each species plays a role in its ecosystem's functioning; when biodiversity declines, this balance is disrupted. The loss of keystone species can lead to overpopulation of other species or extinction of others due to altered food webs. This can affect ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and carbon storage. Ultimately, a decline in biodiversity undermines the ability of ecosystems to adapt to changes, threatening both ecological stability and human well-being.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, including the different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms that interact in complex ways.

Primary Producers: Organisms, such as plants and phytoplankton, that produce organic material through photosynthesis and form the base of the food web in an ecosystem.

Nutrient Cycling: The process by which nutrients move through the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem, including their uptake by organisms, decomposition, and recycling back into the environment.