What does ecosystem mean?

An ecosystem is a functional unit consisting of a biocoenosis and a biotope.

• The biocoenosis refers to the community of animals, plants and microorganisms. Their mutual interactions (e.g. the predator-prey relationship) are summarized as living (biotic) environmental factors.
• The biotope describes the habitat of the various living organisms and features certain (inanimate) environmental factors such as climate, light conditions, soil and water. 

An ecosystem is therefore a habitat in which there is a complex network between the inhabitants and the space around them. Life in an ecosystem can be described by a material cycle. This material cycle in the ecosystem begins with the producers (plants), which convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis and generate oxygen and biomass. Consumers (animals and humans) eat the plants or other animals to obtain energy. After they die, decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break down the organic material, releasing nutrients that are then taken up by the plants. This creates a constant cycle of energy and nutrients.

All ecosystems together make up the area of the earth colonized by living beings, the biosphere.

The properties of an ecosystem

An ecosystem can be described more precisely by certain properties:

• Size: Each ecosystem has a different size. They can be differentiated from each other by taking a closer look at the respective biotope and biocoenosis. A look at the inanimate environmental factors also contributes to the differentiation.
• Openness: Living organisms can move back and forth between different ecosystems. This means that the ecosystems are open - there are no closed ecosystems.
• Dynamics: Ecosystems are dynamic. They are constantly changing due to external and internal influences. These can be human interventions such as deforestation, for example, but weather adaptations, e.g. due to climate change, can also contribute to changes.
• Complexity: Ecosystems consist of many connections between the biocoenosis and the biotope.

Examples of ecosystems

• Forests: are vital oxygen producers and carbon reservoirs that play a key role in the global climate system. The forest ecosystem provides a habitat for an enormous variety of species and is essential for water regulation.
• Oceans: cover around 70 percent of the Earth's surface and are crucial for climate regulation. The marine ecosystem is not only a source of oxygen production, but also a carbon sink.
• Wetlands: Swamps, bogs, marshes and mangrove forests serve as natural water filters and are crucial for water storage and purification. The moorland ecosystem is also an important breeding and resting place for birds and provides a habitat for a variety of plants and animals. 
• Grasslands: Grasslands cover large areas of the earth, are known for their role as a habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including many livestock. The grassland ecosystem is crucial for soil formation and conservation and plays an important role in the carbon cycle.

The different ecosystems can be further subdivided:

1. How much influence do humans have on an ecosystem? (natural, near-natural or artificial ecosystems)
2. Does the ecosystem occur on land or water ? (terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems)

What is an ecological niche?

In an ecosystem, all living organisms are in a constant process of adaptation in order to find the ideal living conditions for themselves. When an organism inhabits a habitat that meets its specific requirements, this is referred to as an ecological niche. In the forest, each species has its own niche in order to avoid conflicts with other species. However, if two species occupy the same niche, there is competition for resources such as food or shelter. This then leads to the weaker species being displaced.

Why is the preservation of ecosystems so important?

Ecosystems are the foundation of life on earth. Their health is crucial for the future of our society. They provide essential living conditions and resources for human well-being and the economy, including food, water and raw materials. Ecosystems also regulate important environmental factors such as climate and water quality, which are crucial for sustainable business practices.

What role do ecosystems play for companies?

55 percent of global GDP (41.7 trillion US dollars) is dependent on healthy ecosystems. If ecosystems collapse, so does the economy. Companies should therefore have a special interest in preserving ecosystems and play a central role in promoting and maintaining vital systems. They are required to minimize their environmental impact and contribute to the preservation of ecosystems. This includes considering environmental factors in the supply chain, reducing emissions, promoting the sustainable use of resources and supporting projects that promote environmental protection.

Planted enables the protection of local ecosystems

With Planted, your company can help to promote the ecosystem forest. With our in-house climate forester, we plant your own company forestnear your company or enable you to protect the local forest. Interested? We look forward to hearing from you.

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