Ecosystem is the basis for the existence of all life on the planet

Our planet is rich and beautiful. That part of the globe, on which the diverse representatives of flora and fauna live, is called the biosphere. To better understand the processes of their interaction, the concept of an ecosystem was introduced. This term, which implies the relationship of living organisms with their living conditions. Each component of this system is connected with the rest and directly or indirectly depends on them. Thus, even a slight violation of the functioning of an object will cause an imbalance in the whole group.

What is an ecosystem?

Any ecosystem is a place for the birth and development of life. No organism can grow in isolation: only in interaction with other biological objects and environmental conditions is possible its further existence.

This concept has no dimensions. That is, whatever the object under consideration, it is an ecosystem. So, for example, there is no difference whether the studied area is an ocean or a small overgrown pond, or maybe it is a pine forest or the Gobi desert. And the first, and second, and third, and any other - the ecosystem. This is a term that was introduced into practice by a biologist, or more precisely, a phytocenologist, A. Tensli. What is included in this concept? First, this system includes biogeocenosis. It includes absolutely all living organisms that live in the studied environment. Secondly, the abiotic component, all those inanimate, but absolutely necessary components: air, water, light. And thirdly - the inevitable dead part - already dead organic substances, or in a different way detritus.

Biogeocenosis and ecosystem. Their stability and change

Many sources state that the ecosystem is a synonym for biogeocenosis. Between these concepts there are no clear boundaries. As well as between the ecosystems themselves: one can easily transfer to another. It is in such zones that a person should be particularly careful and cautious: any, even the most insignificant, intervention can ruin several biological species.

Areas of interaction of organisms with their habitat and with each other, arising without human intervention, are natural ecosystems. They represent a stable single whole, which is inherent in the concept of homeostasis. It is this term that characterizes the stable development of all members of society. Homeostasis implies a balance between the consumption of substances and energy and their release, the balance between mortality and fertility. For example, the "fox-hare" ecosystem. If the number of hare's "livestock" grows, then the number of predators will inevitably grow, in order not to allow the long-eared to exterminate plant-producers. The latter, in turn, synthesize organic substances from inorganic counterparts in the process of all known photosynthesis.

Changing the ecosystem. Artificial habitat bases of living beings

Thus, any ecosystem with all its strength resists any factors leading to a violation of its stable state. Known is the fact that this database is the more stable, the more the food web in it, the more options it has for duplication.

Any, whether water ecosystems or terrestrial, are modified over time. So, for example, the numerous seashells that we meet on the coasts of the seas: most of them have long since died out due to the extermination of their mollusks called rapans.

At present, artificially created ecosystems - "man-machines", "man-business" and others are also in use. And if in these areas homo sapiens can still monitor the ongoing processes without harming the result, then in natural conditions it does not work.