Major Ecosystem Types to Know for Intro to Environmental Science

Understanding major ecosystem types helps us appreciate Earth's diversity and the roles these environments play in our lives. Each ecosystem, from tropical rainforests to deserts, supports unique species and contributes to global health, climate regulation, and cultural heritage.

1. Tropical rainforest

   • High biodiversity with thousands of plant and animal species.
   • Consistently warm temperatures and high annual rainfall (over 2000 mm).
   • Dense canopy structure that creates multiple layers of habitat.
   • Critical for global carbon storage and oxygen production.
   • Home to many indigenous cultures and unique ecological interactions.

2. Temperate deciduous forest

   • Characterized by four distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters.
   • Trees shed leaves in autumn, leading to nutrient-rich soil.
   • Supports a variety of wildlife, including mammals, birds, and insects.
   • Important for timber production and recreational activities.
   • Acts as a carbon sink, helping to mitigate climate change.

3. Coniferous forest

   • Dominated by evergreen trees, such as pines, spruces, and firs.
   • Found in colder climates with long winters and short summers.
   • Adapted to poor soil conditions and can withstand harsh weather.
   • Provides habitat for species like bears, moose, and various bird species.
   • Plays a significant role in the global timber industry.

4. Grassland

   • Composed mainly of grasses with few trees, often found in regions with low rainfall.
   • Supports large herbivores like bison and antelope, as well as predators.
   • Soil is often rich in nutrients, making it ideal for agriculture.
   • Prone to wildfires, which help maintain the ecosystem's health.
   • Important for carbon storage and soil conservation.

5. Tundra

   • Cold, treeless biome with a short growing season and permafrost.
   • Limited biodiversity, primarily consisting of mosses, lichens, and low shrubs.
   • Home to migratory birds and animals adapted to extreme conditions, like caribou.
   • Sensitive to climate change, with melting permafrost releasing greenhouse gases.
   • Important for indigenous peoples who rely on its resources.

6. Desert

   • Characterized by low precipitation (less than 250 mm annually) and extreme temperature variations.
   • Flora and fauna have adapted to conserve water, such as cacti and nocturnal animals.
   • Supports unique ecosystems with specialized species, like camels and lizards.
   • Vulnerable to desertification due to climate change and human activities.
   • Important for research on adaptation and survival in harsh conditions.

7. Aquatic (freshwater)

   • Includes rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, supporting diverse ecosystems.
   • Vital for drinking water, agriculture, and recreation.
   • Home to a variety of species, including fish, amphibians, and aquatic plants.
   • Freshwater ecosystems are threatened by pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss.
   • Plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling and maintaining biodiversity.

8. Marine

   • Covers over 70% of the Earth's surface, including oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries.
   • Supports the largest biodiversity on the planet, with countless species of fish, mammals, and invertebrates.
   • Critical for global climate regulation and oxygen production through phytoplankton.
   • Provides resources such as seafood, tourism, and recreational activities.
   • Threatened by overfishing, pollution, and climate change impacts like ocean acidification.

9. Wetland

   • Areas where water covers the soil for part of the year, including swamps, marshes, and bogs.
   • Highly productive ecosystems that filter pollutants and provide flood protection.
   • Habitat for diverse wildlife, including migratory birds and amphibians.
   • Important for carbon storage and maintaining water quality.
   • Threatened by drainage for agriculture and urban development.

10. Savanna

    • Grassland ecosystem with scattered trees, typically found in tropical and subtropical regions.
    • Experiences seasonal rainfall, leading to distinct wet and dry seasons.
    • Supports large herbivores like elephants and giraffes, along with their predators.
    • Fire plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem and promoting new growth.
    • Important for biodiversity and cultural practices of indigenous communities.