1
Question
Give two examples of artificial or man made ecosystems. List the salient features by which they differ from natural ecosystems.
Open in App
Solution
Introduction
A man-made ecosystem is a type of ecosystem in which the biotic and abiotic components and their interactions are maintained by humans.
Example:- Aquarium and fields
A natural ecosystem does not involve the need for human interference, to maintain it.
Number of individuals
The artificial ecosystem has fewer species.
The natural ecosystem has more biodiversity.
Biogeochemical cycles
Artificial ecosystems need human interference for nutrient recycling. In the natural ecosystem, the nutrient recycling happens naturally and does not require human interference.
Sustainability
Artificial ecosystems are not self-sustainable as the resources used by man for these ecosystems get depleted and have to be constantly supplied. A natural ecosystem is self-sustainable.
Area of ecosystem
In artificial ecosystems the area of the ecosystem is limited.
In natural ecosystems the area is unlimited.
Summary
Difference between artificial and natural ecosystems:
Criteria
Artificial Ecosystem
Natural Ecosystem
Number of individuals
Has fewer species
Biodiversity is more
Biogeochemical cycles
Need human inference for nutrient recycling.
Nutrient recycling happens in nature
Self Sustainability
Not self sustainable as the resources used by man for these ecosystems get depleted and have to be constantly supplied
Self-sustainable
Area of ecosystem
Limited
Unlimited
Introduction
A man-made ecosystem is a type of ecosystem in which the biotic and abiotic components and their interactions are maintained by humans.
Example:- Aquarium and fields
A natural ecosystem does not involve the need for human interference, to maintain it.
Number of individuals
The artificial ecosystem has fewer species.
The natural ecosystem has more biodiversity.
Biogeochemical cycles
Artificial ecosystems need human interference for nutrient recycling. In the natural ecosystem, the nutrient recycling happens naturally and does not require human interference.
Sustainability
Artificial ecosystems are not self-sustainable as the resources used by man for these ecosystems get depleted and have to be constantly supplied. A natural ecosystem is self-sustainable.
Area of ecosystem
In artificial ecosystems the area of the ecosystem is limited.
In natural ecosystems the area is unlimited.
Summary
Difference between artificial and natural ecosystems:
| Criteria | Artificial Ecosystem | Natural Ecosystem |
| Number of individuals | Has fewer species | Biodiversity is more |
| Biogeochemical cycles | Need human inference for nutrient recycling. | Nutrient recycling happens in nature |
| Self Sustainability | Not self sustainable as the resources used by man for these ecosystems get depleted and have to be constantly supplied | Self-sustainable |
| Area of ecosystem | Limited | Unlimited |
Suggest Corrections
3
Similar questions