A definition of ecosystem relates to the specific environment that contains a specific diversity of plant and animal life. The definition of ecosystem must include the living and non living influences, from flora, fauna and fungi to the influences of their surroundings. Things such as humidity, elevation, salinity, and drainage will impact on the conditions of the living organisms right down to bacteria.

To study the definition of ecosystem interaction between all the species that inhabit the area, even if they only move through the area on a seasonal basis must be considered. The physiognomic-ecological classification system has been implemented to identify and define the definition of ecosystem in order to help protect them. The classification system takes into account all the living organisms and how they interact with the non living organisms and the overall environmental conditions the ecosystem exists within.

The living organisms in the definition of ecosystem will include the larger animals, mammals, insects, plants, and fungi right through to the smallest bacteria and moulds. The environment and non living aspect of an ecosystem include the landscape, from the formation and types of rocks, soils, underlying water table, climate, elevation, exposure and location.

In the definition of ecosystem the number and condition of the living organisms will help in forming a classification for the type of ecosystem. The location of the landscape will also effect the ecosystems classification. There are many types of ecosystem and a definition of ecosystem must fit each one. A desert landscape with its flora and fauna, the marine environment and the mountain landscape all are individual ecosystems. Human interaction will effect an ecosystem and must be taken into account in the protection of any fragile ecosystem.

As with any environmental factors effecting life on earth, studies of any given ecosystem will include the life cycle of the trees, grasses, fungi and moulds. Each living species within the ecosystem must be taken into account. Every definition of ecosystem needs to include climate, culture, environmental impact and symbiotic relationship between living and non living organisms. It is this relationship and the number and diversity of the life forms involved that give definition of ecosystem its unique value in our world.

The definition of ecosystem must describe the specific area, keeping within its own parameters while allowing for outside influence that can impact upon the species and landforms involved. Changing climate conditions, human encroachment, flood famine and fire can all alter a specific ecosystems balance and sustainability. The definition of ecosystem must allow for all contingencies.

An ecosystem may vary from one side of a mountain to the other, from one part of a stream to another. Any change in soil type, drainage, salinity or even human encroachment can change the whole ecosystem. They are delicate and balanced in nature, and many will not stand the impact of change.

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A desert ecosystem may seem devoid of life but even the most arid sand dune has a desert ecosystem unique to its location and climate. Even the sparsest dune has some form of life existing in its hostile environment.

A desert ecosystem must exist where there is little rainfall and the climate is extreme in harshness. With little precipitation a desert ecosystem will at first impression appear to be lifeless and barren. In reality this is rarely the case. The desert ecosystem supports life forms as varied as any ecosystem on earth.

In the sand desert ecosystem few large mammals might appear to subsist but the camel is one that we envisage as surviving this environment. Small rodents, rabbits, rats, moles and fox like creatures can be found in the desert ecosystem. Snakes, insects, burrowing creatures, ants, birds, beetles and lizards are regular inhabitants of the desert ecosystem.

Plant life in the desert ecosystem is often dwarfed because of the lack of rain. The most common plant featured as part of the desert ecosystem is the cactus. Even this plant species can be seen in hundreds of different types, each one evolved to suit the particular desert ecosystem to which they are endemic. Other plants, such as saltbush and gravillias grow well in a desert ecosystem. Plants have evolved to have succulent bodies that retain the precious moisture needed for growth. Others have narrow needle like leaves that do not lose moisture. Still others spread across the ground, or grow in the shade of larger plants.

Animals and small arachnids, lizards and other creatures have managed in the harsh climate, hot days, freezing nights, by controlling their body heat. It is vital for any desert ecosystem denizen to adjust to the particular aspects of their environment. The desert ecosystem is a fragile balance of these species that are able to survive in extremes of temperature and moisture.

Any desert ecosystem will have hidden hosts of wild life, many insects, small lizards, spiders, birds or burrowing creatures. They may not be visible to the untrained eye, but their presence is essential to keeping the desert ecosystem functioning. Any integral part of the balance goes missing and other life forms, plant or animal may find survival impossible.

Human activity can damage the fragile balance of the desert ecosystem. It is vital to know and understand the numbers and the idiosyncrasies of the life forms involved in the food chain of the desert ecosystem before any human activity can intrude on the environment.

One of the harshest environments on the planet, the desert ecosystem offers many strange and unusual adaptations between plant and animal to ensure their survival.

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Desert ecosystem of humans can be defined as the affect on the environment where human subsistence has altered the face of the environment to the extent that survival of a species used to the abundance of water is threatened. In this environment the desert ecosystem of humans can be a seen in the fragile ecosystem where plants, insects, grasses, fungi and animals are in crisis. The survival of any species other than man, in the desert ecosystem of humans shows an amazing ability to survive despite crippling odds.

The desert ecosystem of humans may cause ecosystem disruption in an environment too harsh for the aquatic loving species of plants. Without the abundance of water in desert ecosystem of humans many plants are unable to survive. Those that do survive have adapted or found themselves in a desert ecosystem of humans. A desert ecosystem of humans can be seen in an environment where species cope with high levels of toxins in the water table. They may have adapted to harsh conditions. High diurnal range of temperatures due to the levels of human activity and building and environmental development make survival difficult for many animals, insects and plants. Those that do survive in any number are often classed as vermin. Rodents are peculiarly adaptable and are often able to survive in a desert ecosystem of humans. Cockroaches, rats, possums, ants, mosquitoes, flies, spiders are all able to adapt to the desert ecosystem of humans. Plants that are able to withstand periods of drought, harsh treatment underfoot or under tyres, are often so tough that they too are classed as weeds.

It is the ability to survive that makes those plants and animals numerous in the desert ecosystem of humans. Cultivated gardens need care, and where lawns and manicured shrubs are able to survive with constant care, where in the desert ecosystem of humans only the toughest species survive.

In worst desert ecosystem of humans it is the humble survivor that forms the food chain. The hardy grass, the indestructible cockroach the every present fly can survive where a desert ecosystem of humans exists. Those creatures and plants that are able to exist and propagate where life is toughest are the species that will thrive and populate in the desert ecosystem of humans.

Concrete, paving, tarmac and high density buildings alter the ground water flow and drainage of the landscape. With high volume run off, low volume absorption and with limited open landscape, grassland or trees, the overall consumption of water for the disrupted ecosystem is minimal. Despite a high annual rainfall, much of the precipitation can be lost as storm- water. Having so much fresh water wasted makes a desert ecosystem of humans. Species that once relied on abundant rainfall and absorption of run off must alter their areas of scavenging or leave the desert ecosystem of humans environment.

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An ecosystem relates to the specific environment that contains a specific diversity of plant and animal life. The ecosystem must include the living and non living influences, from flora, fauna and fungi to the influences of their surroundings. Things such as humidity, elevation, salinity, and drainage will impact on the conditions of the living organisms right down to bacteria.

The study of an individual ecosystem will involve the interaction between all the species that inhabit the area, even if they only move through the area on a seasonal basis. The physiognomic-ecological classification system has been implemented to identify ecosystems in order to help protect them. The classification system takes into account all the living organisms and how they interact with the non living organisms and the overall environmental conditions the ecosystem exists within.

The living organisms in an ecosystem will include the larger animals, mammals, insects, plants, and fungi right through to the smallest bacteria and moulds. The environment and non living aspect of an ecosystem include the landscape, from the formation and types of rocks, soils, underlying water table, climate, elevation, exposure and location.

In the study of an ecosystem the number and condition of the living organisms will help in forming a classification for the type of ecosystem. The location of the landscape will also effect the ecosystems classification. There are many types of ecosystem. A desert landscape with its flora and fauna, the marine environment and the mountain landscape all are individual ecosystems. Human interaction will effect an ecosystem and must be taken into account in the protection of any fragile ecosystem.

As with any environmental factors effecting life on earth, studies of any given ecosystem will include the life cycle of the trees, grasses, fungi and moulds. Each living species within the ecosystem must be taken into account. To study an ecosystem the interaction between species and their environment and the unique conditions must be explored. Every ecosystem has a climate, culture, environmental impact and symbiotic relationship between living and non living organisms. It is this relationship and the number and diversity of the life forms involved that give an ecosystem its unique value in our world.

An ecosystem exists within its own parameters but outside influence can impact upon the species and landforms involved. Changing climate conditions, human encroachment, flood famine and fire can all alter a specific ecosystems balance and sustainability.

An ecosystem may vary from one side of a mountain to the other, from one part of a stream to another. Any change in soil type, drainage, salinity or even human encroachment can change the whole ecosystem. They are delicate and balanced in nature, and many will not stand the impact of change.

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An ecosystem diagram can be used in determining the affects of outside influences and conditions on a terrestrial or aquatic ecosystem. The ecosystem diagram will enable researchers and developers to see how different parts of the food chain or environment will be impacted by changes. Differing climatic conditions or human influence can alter the ecosystem diagram. This will show in the numbers of plants and animals and insects that survive and multiply. If the ecosystem diagram shows radical changes, researchers can strive to offset adverse reactions through understanding and knowledge.

The ecosystem diagram will begin with the fundamental landscape of the ecosystem. If a terrestrial ecosystem is involved, the ecosystem diagram will map the ground strata, the drainage, soil types, the water catchment, the underlying types of rock and the topography of the area. The ecosystem will then record the covering of the strata. The rocks, shale, sands, soil and water that cover an area are all mapped in the ecosystem diagram. From there the plant life will be included in the ecosystem diagram.

Once the plant life is mapped, from the smallest flowering plant, fungi and spores, to the largest trees and lianas, the ecosystem diagram will begin to look at living organisms like insects, mammals, birds, reptiles and humans. The ecosystem diagram will name and correlate numbers and placement of these creatures and species.

Climatic conditions, the average daily temperature and the diurnal range will be noted in the ecosystem diagram. Humidity, rainfall, precipitation averages, drainage and frost levels will all become part of the ecosystem diagram.

The ecosystem diagram will then begin to look at the interaction between species. From the water-table through to the canopy the way in which each flower blooms or each insect feeds will become an item on the ecosystem diagram. It is through the interaction of each species of plant and animal, insect and bird that the food chain is brought into focus. As a plant absorbs water, light and air to grow, the ecosystem diagram will take that into account.

As the plants grow, they become fodder for herbivores, or insects. This is another aspect of the ecosystem diagram. The food chain is an important function of an ecosystem diagram. It helps to map where needs are met and needs are not fully achieved. When a species declines or is in crisis the ecosystem diagram can help find and alleviate the problems. When human encroachment is part of the problem an ecosystem diagram can help save endangered or threatened species before they become extinct.

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Ecosystem disruption can be defined as the affect on the environment where human subsistence has altered the face of the environment to the extent that survival of a species is threatened. In this environment the ecosystem disruption can be a seen in the fragile ecosystem where plants, insects, grasses, fungi and animals are in crisis. The survival of any species other than man, in an area of ecosystem disruption shows an amazing ability to survive despite crippling odds.

The interaction of humans may cause ecosystem disruption in an environment too harsh for the aquatic loving species of plants. Without the abundance of water in an ecosystem dominated by humans many plants are unable to survive. Those that do survive have adapted or found themselves in an area of ecosystem disruption. Ecosystem disruption can be seen in an environment where species cope with high levels of toxins in the water table. They may have adapted to harsh conditions. High diurnal range of temperatures due to the levels of human activity and building and environmental development make survival difficult for many animals, insects and plants. Those that do survive in any number are often classed as vermin. Rodents are peculiarly adaptable and are often the last to leave an area prone to ecosystem disruption. Cockroaches, rats, possums, ants, mosquitoes, flies, spiders are all able to adapt to the ecosystem disruption. Plants that are able to withstand periods of drought, harsh treatment underfoot or under tyres, are often so tough that they too are classed as weeds.

It is the ability to survive that makes those plants and animals numerous in the ecosystem disruption. Cultivated gardens need care, and where lawns and manicured shrubs are able to survive with constant care, where there is signs of ecosystem disruption only the toughest species survive.

In worst cases of ecosystem disruption it is the humble survivor that forms the food chain. The hardy grass, the indestructible cockroach the every present fly can survive where ecosystem disruption has begun. Those creatures and plants that are able to exist and propagate where life is toughest are the species that will thrive and populate despite ecosystem disruption.

Concrete, paving, tarmac and high density buildings alter the ground water flow and drainage of the landscape. With high volume run off, low volume absorption and with limited open landscape, grassland or trees, the overall consumption of water for the disrupted ecosystem is minimal. Despite a high annual rainfall, much of the precipitation can be lost as storm- water. Having so much fresh water wasted makes ecosystem disruption more likely. Species that once relied on abundant rainfall and absorption of run off must alter their areas of scavenging or leave the area suffering ecosystem disruption.

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The food web in the ocean ecosystem is essential to the maintenance and successful growth and development of life in the marine ecosystem. The food web in the ocean ecosystem relates to the way in which all life interacts and relies on other species for survival. From the smallest micro organism the food web in the ocean ecosystem shows how each living creature follows their life cycle by interacting with their environment. An ocean ecosystem is where there is more salt water than fresh water involved in the balance of the landscape. The ocean ecosystem includes all life forms and land forms that might occur in each location.

The food web in the ocean ecosystem is subject to tidal zones, coral reefs, river mouths, estuaries and reefs where salt water is predominant. The life forms that live as part of the food web in the ocean ecosystem will be adapted to life in a salty environment.

Even tropical marine ecosystems will have similar conditions as underlying criteria for classification. The levels of salt water will effect the food web in the ocean ecosystem in the symbiotic relationships needed between marine ecosystem and sustainable life.

In studies of the food web in the ocean ecosystem the predatory nature of some forms of life will mark the food chain of the particular area. In the marine ecosystem the food chain begins with the largest predatory mammals and fish and will continue down through the strata of life forms to the smallest poly and coral life. Seals, whales and dolphins exist in a marine ecosystem. They make the top of the food web in the ocean ecosystem with fish such as sharks and large predators like turtles and sting rays.

Further down the food web in the ocean ecosystem are the smaller fish and crustaceans. It is the way that these creatures exist among the plant life and coral formations that make up the unique relationships in the marine ecosystem. Without plant life or plankton the larger species could not exist. Without the tides, the currents and the sand bars or rock reefs the plants could not exist. Without the movement of schools of fish, jelly fish, rays, eels and turtles, the levels of life would not remain in balance.

The impact of human activity on the food web in the ocean ecosystem may not at first be discernable, but study would give an idea of how man has changed the balance of life in any marine ecosystem. Not only through the act of fishing, does human activity impact on the food web in the ocean ecosystem, but activities such as fertilization of crops can effect the delicate balance in the marine environment. Toxins washing into the tidal zones, plastics floating through a marine ecosystem, long lines, waste material and oil spills can all damage a fragile ocean ecosystem.

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The forest ecosystem covers the flora, fauna and ground conditions with in the parameters of a forest. From the climatic conditions to the members and relationships in the food chain, the forest ecosystem is dependant on the major resources available. In the forest ecosystem the proportion of flora, including the varieties of trees, grasses, fungi and flowers will effect the way in which fauna exist.

The fauna in a forest ecosystem will include the minute and the massive. The forest ecosystem offers shelter and living conditions to insects, birds, arachnids and mammals, from the tiny bush mouse to the largest primate or predator.
In the forest ecosystem the smallest creatures and plants are still important to the structure of the environment. From the smallest gnat to the largest predator, the relationship between the food chain is vital to the balance of the ecosystem. In the way that grass feeds cattle so too do smaller creatures become food for larger. Even the plants of the forest will become fodder for larger herbivores or small creatures. The forest ecosystem is balanced by the resources available. The number of trees, fungi, grass or flowers will be, maintained by the number of animals or insects using them for their lifestyle or food sources. If the number of predators in the forest ecosystem should alter, then the food chain would be unbalanced right down to the fundamental level. Even a slight alteration in the forest ecosystem, due to floods or drought or human intervention, can lead to the destruction of the forest ecosystem itself.

The forest ecosystem is reliant on the balance being maintained, between growth and decay. While rotting timber and mulch can offer sustenance to some creatures, the death of a plant is still part of the forest ecosystem. The mulch provides the ideal place for germination of other seeds. All this is part of the balance of the forest ecosystem.

The forest ecosystem includes the life cycle of the larger animals too. Their living, reproducing, hunting and dying all effect the way the forest ecosystem achieves balance. Any variation to the numbers of creatures within the forest ecosystem could change the fragile balance drastically. To few predators could mean an over production of smaller herbivores. This would lead to a loss of plant life within the forest ecosystem. Once the balance is lost, it can be impossible to regain.

The delicate balance of the forest ecosystem is vital to the health and vitality of the forest itself. From climate conditions, water quality and quantity, to human intervention, or exploitation, the forest ecosystem is prone to influences that can alter it forever.

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The importance of understanding the freshwater ecosystem involves the life forms and plant cultures that are part of the healthy environment. The freshwater ecosystem is a fresh water environment that can reveal the health of a local area. Fresh water environments in contrast to salt water environments have specific life forms that show its overall health. Toxins or pollution can effect the freshwater ecosystem adversely.

The healthy freshwater ecosystem will have a balance of both plant and animal living with in its parameters. Studying the balance between plant and animal and soil, sedges and underlying strata can give an overall view of the quality of the water table and land. The freshwater ecosystem begins with what lives in the water. From the smallest microbes, single cell creatures to the guppies, leeches and midges, only clean water can sustain life. The plants that convert oxygen for these creatures are as important as the fauna. With human activity impacting on the freshwater environment, toxins can effect the quality of the freshwater ecosystem. If toxins effect the water, plants can die. Without plants to add oxygen to the water, the creatures might perish. Without the smallest life forms in the food chain, the ripple effect can lead to other species dying out or leaving the Freshwater environment.

If the freshwater ecosystem is not balanced, or there are impurities in the water that the life forms cannot deal with then one of the first to suffer or leave the environs, is the humble leech. Leeches have long been an indicator of the freshwater ecosystems health status. Leeches are found where water quality is good.

Without clear clean water, filtered by ample plant life or good drainable soil, the larger animals will need to find other sources of water. Birds, spiders, lizards, rodents, rabbits and larger mammals are all reliant on a healthy freshwater ecosystem.

Fertilizer, oil, introduced species, pollution, fishing can all upset the delicate balance that exists in a healthy freshwater ecosystem. Agriculture and the impact of human activity on the freshwater ecosystem can effect the quality and purity of soil and water.

Rain, climate, drought, humidity, rising salinity are all important factors that can effect the freshwater ecosystem beyond the initial impact of human activity. Maintaining the balance, keeping every species alive and in good numbers will ensure a healthy, vital freshwater ecosystem.

The food chain, from tiny water borne creatures that feed midges and insects that feed birds, to the rabbits that feed foxes and the grasses that feed cattle and sheep, all depend on the freshwater ecosystem to sustain their lives. The quality of clean water in the freshwater ecosystem is actually of global importance. Fresh water is essential to life on this planet.

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The grassland ecosystem covers the flora, fauna and ground conditions with in the parameters of a grassland. From the climatic conditions to the members and relationships in the food chain, the grassland ecosystem is dependant on the major resources available. In the grassland ecosystem the proportion of flora, including the varieties of trees, grasses, fungi and flowers will effect the way in which fauna exist.

The fauna in a grassland ecosystem will include the minute and the massive. The grassland ecosystem offers shelter and living conditions to insects, birds, arachnids and mammals, from the tiny bush mouse to the largest mammal, lizard or predator.
In the grassland ecosystem the smallest creatures and plants are still important to the structure of the environment. From the smallest gnat to the largest predator, the relationship between the food chain is vital to the balance of the ecosystem. In the way that grass feeds cattle so too do smaller creatures become food for larger. Even the plants of the grassland will become fodder for larger herbivores or small creatures. The grassland ecosystem is balanced by the resources available. The number of trees, fungi, grass or flowers will be, maintained by the number of animals or insects using them for their lifestyle or food sources. If the number of predators in the grassland ecosystem should alter, then the food chain would be unbalanced right down to the fundamental level. Even a slight alteration in the grassland ecosystem, due to floods or drought or human intervention, can lead to the destruction of the grassland ecosystem itself.

The grassland ecosystem is reliant on the balance being maintained, between growth and decay. While rotting grass, carcasses and mulch can offer sustenance to some creatures, the death of a plant is still part of the grassland ecosystem. The mulch provides the ideal place for germination of other seeds. All this is part of the balance of the grassland ecosystem.

The grassland ecosystem includes the life cycle of the larger animals too. Their living, reproducing, hunting and dying all effect the way the grassland ecosystem achieves balance. Any variation to the numbers of creatures within the grassland ecosystem could change the fragile balance drastically. To few predators could mean an over production of smaller herbivores. This would lead to a loss of plant life within the grassland ecosystem. Once the balance is lost, it can be impossible to regain.

The delicate balance of the grassland ecosystem is vital to the health and vitality of the grassland itself. From climate conditions, water quality and quantity, to human intervention, or exploitation, the grassland ecosystem is prone to influences that can alter it forever.

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