Sambhav-2024

• Start the answer with a discussion that sets a context for the question.
  Discuss the functions and types of terrestrial ecosystems.
• Illustrate ecological significance and also the interdependence of organisms within terrestrial ecosystems.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

A terrestrial ecosystem is a community of living organisms and their interactions with the physical environment in a terrestrial (land-based) habitat. These ecosystems are characterized by the presence of vegetation, which plays a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem's structure and function.

Body

Functions of Terrestrial Ecosystems:

• Primary Production: Terrestrial ecosystems, through photosynthesis, produce oxygen and organic matter essential for life.
• Biodiversity Maintenance: These ecosystems support diverse flora and fauna, aiding in genetic diversity and ecological stability.
  • Terrestrial ecosystems influence local and regional climates through processes like evapotranspiration and albedo effect.
• Climate Regulation: They play a crucial role in regulating climate by influencing temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric composition.
  • Terrestrial ecosystems sequester about 25% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, highlighting their importance in mitigating climate change.
• Nutrient Cycling: Terrestrial ecosystems facilitate the cycling of nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, essential for plant growth and soil fertility.

Types of Terrestrial Ecosystems:

• Forests: These ecosystems cover about 31% of the Earth's land surface and are home to a significant portion of global biodiversity.
  • The Amazon rainforest, one of the world's largest terrestrial ecosystems, is home to about 10% of all known species.
• Grasslands: Found on every continent except Antarctica, grasslands support a variety of wildlife and provide grazing areas for livestock.
  • Grasslands are found in both tropical and temperate regions, supporting a variety of grass species and herbivores like bison and antelope.
  • Grasslands cover about 40% of the Earth's land area and support the grazing activities of millions of livestock.
• Deserts: Despite harsh conditions, deserts are home to specialized plants and animals adapted to arid environments.
• Tundra: Tundra is found in polar regions and has a short growing season. It is home to hardy plant species like mosses and lichens, as well as migratory birds and mammals like caribou.
• Wetlands: Wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and bogs, are rich in biodiversity and play a crucial role in water filtration and flood control.
  • Wetlands, despite covering only about 6% of the Earth's land surface, are among the most productive ecosystems, providing habitat for numerous species.
    • Forty percent of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands.

Ecological Significance of Terrestrial Ecosystems:

• Habitat and Food Source: Terrestrial ecosystems provide habitats and food for a wide range of organisms, supporting biodiversity.
• Carbon Sequestration: Forests and other terrestrial ecosystems act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere.
• Water Regulation: Vegetation in terrestrial ecosystems helps regulate the water cycle, reducing the risk of floods and droughts.
• Soil Formation and Protection: Plants in terrestrial ecosystems contribute to soil formation and prevent erosion, maintaining soil fertility.

Interdependence of Organisms within Terrestrial Ecosystems:

• Food Chains and Webs: Organisms in terrestrial ecosystems are interconnected through food chains and webs, where each organism depends on others for food.
• Pollination: Many plants in terrestrial ecosystems rely on pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds for reproduction, highlighting their interdependence.
• Symbiotic Relationships: Symbiotic relationships, such as mutualism and parasitism, are common in terrestrial ecosystems, demonstrating the interdependence of organisms.
• Predator-Prey Dynamics: Predators and prey in terrestrial ecosystems are interdependent, with the population of each species affecting the other.

Conclusion

Terrestrial ecosystems are vital for maintaining ecological balance and supporting life on Earth. Understanding their functions, types, and ecological significance is crucial for effective conservation and sustainable management of these ecosystems.