We explain what a terrestrial ecosystem is and its main characteristics. We also explain the types and examples available. Please read other MTV articles for more information. If you share it, it will be of little help to us.
What is a terrestrial ecosystem?
Terrestrial ecosystems are natural systems that develop on the planet’s continental surface. They are composed of living organisms, the physical environment they inhabit, and the interactions between the two. In these environments, factors such as climate, soil, and water availability influence the distribution of species and the dynamics of ecological processes.
These ecosystems differ from aquatic and mixed ecosystems in that they do not feature a predominance of large bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, or seas. Even so, they have diverse rainfall ranges, which determines the presence of animal and plant life.
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In terrestrial ecosystems, flying, terrestrial, and subterranean animals coexist. Terrestrial fauna adapted millions of years ago to the rigidity of the soil and the dryness of the air (compared to the water where they originated) by developing solid limbs for walking (instead of fins for swimming) and self-moisturizing skin.
Terrestrial ecosystems are among the most affected by pollution and the impact of human activities, such as logging, urban expansion, and the accumulation of solid waste.
Characteristics of a terrestrial ecosystem
The main characteristics of terrestrial ecosystems are the following:
- They develop on the continental surface, in environments not covered by permanent bodies of water.
- They are composed of the interactions between living organisms (flora and fauna) and the physical environment in which they develop.
- Their ecological characteristics depend primarily on climatic factors, such as temperature and precipitation.
- There are different types: forest, shrub, herbaceous, desert, and artificial.
- They are home to a wide variety of species, which adapt to the specific conditions of each habitat.
- They perform key ecological functions, such as climate regulation, soil formation, and nutrient recycling.
Types of Terrestrial Ecosystems
Terrestrial ecosystems are abundant and can be classified according to their climatic characteristics and the biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (non-living elements) factors present in them:
Forest Ecosystems
They are home to the greatest biodiversity on the planet and are the most widespread type of ecosystem. They can be located in areas with very varied climatic characteristics and are found on all continents except Antarctica. The most common types are rainforests and forests.
Shrubland or scrubland ecosystems
These ecosystems are characterized by the presence of small shrubby plants. They are usually found in arid and semi-arid climates. The most common types are shrublands and scrublands.
Herbaceous ecosystems
These ecosystems are mostly herbaceous vegetation and grasslands. They develop in regions with temperate climates and moderate rainfall. They are the most suitable ecosystem for agricultural use, and therefore are often heavily impacted by humans. The most common types are grasslands, steppes, and savannas.
Desert ecosystems
These ecosystems are found in regions with low annual rainfall. The biodiversity that inhabits these ecosystems has adapted to the lack of humidity and extreme temperatures. There are two types of desert ecosystems: hot and cold.
Artificial ecosystems
These are created through human intervention. In them, different species of flora and fauna coexist with elements introduced by humans. The most characteristic types are urban and rural ecosystems.
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Examples of Terrestrial Ecosystems
Some examples of terrestrial ecosystems are:
Hot desert
This ecosystem is characterized by the presence of xerophytic vegetation adapted to extreme daytime heat and low rainfall. The animals that live there have adaptations to the lack of water and extreme climates (such as camels, which store water within their own bodies). It is a widespread ecosystem type across the planet.
Tropical rainforest
This ecosystem extends mainly in regions near the equator. It is home to a high level of plant and animal biodiversity, adapted to abundant rainfall and high temperatures. It is the type of ecosystem with the greatest biodiversity on the planet.
Grassland
Also called grassland or prairie, this ecosystem is predominantly herbaceous vegetation, that is, low-growing grasses. It usually develops in areas with moderate rainfall and temperate temperatures, with intense summers and cold winters.
Taiga
Also called boreal forest or coniferous forest, these are large, closed formations of tall vegetation, considered the largest forest mass on the planet. They are found in the cold zones of northern Russia and Siberia, and in northern Canada and Europe. Its fauna is composed primarily of small mammals and terrestrial and aerial predators.
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References
All the information we offer is supported by authorized and up-to-date bibliographic sources, ensuring reliable content in line with our editorial principles.
- Medellín City Hall. (2023). Terrestrial ecosystems: what they are, characteristics, and examples. medellin.gov.co
- Biodiversidad Mexicana. (2020). What is an ecosystem? biodiversidad.gob.mx
- National Geographic. (2022). What is an ecosystem? nationalgeographicla.com
- Roldán, L. (2024). Types of ecosystems. EcologíaVerde. ecologiaverde.com
- What it isTerrestrial Ecosystem, its characteristics, and examples – concepto.de
