What is Biomes and Ecosystems? | Types, Definition, Structure, Function & Facts

What is an Ecosystem?

Every plant and every animal cannot survive on planet Earth on its own. All living things need millions of other living things to survive. The way these organisms interact with the sun, soil, water, air and with each other in a particular area is called an ecosystem.

An ecosystem describes a specific area where organisms work together as a unit. It can be any size, from a small puddle to hundreds of square miles of desert. Every ecosystem is different, and each ecosystem has established a balance over time that is important for each life form in the ecosystem.

What is a Biome?

A biome is a way of describing a large group of similar ecosystems. The biomes have similar weather, rainfall, animals, and plants. There are several biomes on planet Earth.

The Balance of the Ecosystem

Ecosystems maintain an important balance so that all organisms in the ecosystem can survive. These balances involve food, water, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon.

The sun provides essential energy for ecosystems. Plants take this energy and use photosynthesis to make sugars that they can use as an energy source. Nutrients in the soil, air and water also play a role in maintaining a thriving and balanced ecosystem.

Some of the important cycles that occur in the ecosystem to help maintain a good balance include:

• Food Chain and Food Web (Energy Cycle)
• Carbon Cycle
• Oxygen Cycle
• Water Cycle
• Nitrogen Cycle

Humans and the Ecosystem

Humans have impacted many ecosystems and biomes around the world. Cutting down trees, developing land, farming, burning fossil fuels, overfishing and hunting are just some of the ways we have upset the balance of nature.

How can we help?

By learning about the world’s biomes and their importance to life, you can spread the word. Everyone will work together to try to slow our impact.