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Ecosystems can be classified based on various factors. The ecosystem can be classified based on formation, based on region, and based on their size.
Classification of ecosystems based on formation:
Ecosystems are classified as natural and artificial ecosystems based on how they are formed.
1. Natural ecosystems: Ecosystems like ponds, lakes, rivers, forests, etc., evolve naturally without the involvement of human beings. Such ecosystems are called natural ecosystems.
Lake
2. Artificial ecosystems: Ecosystems like zoos, gardens, parks, agricultural fields, aquariums, etc., are man-made ecosystems. Such ecosystems are called artificial ecosystems. These ecosystems are developed and maintained by humans.
Clockwise from Top-left: garden, park, agricultural paddy field, and aquarium
Classification of ecosystems based on region:
Ecosystems are also classified based on the region, i.e., on land or water. They are classified as:
1. Terrestrial ecosystem: Ecosystems that exist on land are known as terrestrial ecosystems.
Example:
Forests, grasslands, deserts, mountain and tundra ecosystems.
Clockwise from Top-left: Forests, mountains, desert, and grasslands
2. Aquatic ecosystem: Ecosystems that exist in water are known as aquatic ecosystems.
Example:
Freshwater ecosystems - ponds, lakes, rivers; marine water ecosystems - oceans and seas; and estuarine ecosystems.
Aquatic ecosystem
Classification of ecosystems based on their size:
Ecosystems can also be classified based on their size:
1. Micro ecosystem: Small scale ecosystems such as a pond, tree trunk, etc.
Pond
2. Meso ecosystem: Medium-scale ecosystems such as lakes, coral reefs, forests and sand dunes.
Coral reef
3. Macro ecosystem: Large scale ecosystem or an entire rainforest, also called a biome.
Rain forest
Reference:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Early_Pond.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coral_reef_09.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rainforest_Creek_-_Fraser_Island.jpg
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