10 Examples of a Natural Ecosystem

An ecosystem is comprised of all the non-living elements and living species in a

specific local environment. Components of most ecosystems include water, air,
sunlight, soil, plants, microorganisms, insects and animals. Ecosystems may be
terrestrial – that is, on land – or aquatic. Sizes of ecosystems vary; they could entail a
small puddle or an enormous swath of desert. Likewise, natural ecosystems can look
quite different from one another.
Tropical Rainforest Ecosystems

Located in tropical regions, rainforests possess a greater diversity of plant and animal
life than any other type of ecosystem. As their name implies, precipitation is
significant, leading to dense, verdant vegetation. Trees grow very tall as they compete
for sunlight, and animals live in their canopy.

Temperate Forest Ecosystems

Forest ecosystems are common across temperate climates – areas where winters are
cold and summers are warm. They usually consist of deciduous trees, which shed
their leaves each autumn, and coniferous trees, which stay green throughout the year.

Taiga Ecosystems

Taigas are a type of forest ecosystem located in the far northern regions of the world.
Also called boreal forests, they consist mainly of evergreen, coniferous trees, such as
pine and spruce.

Grassland Ecosystems

Grasslands, located in semi-arid zones, contain wide, treeless expanses often

inhabited by grazing animals. Sub-categories of grassland ecosystems include
savannas, which are found in the tropics; prairies, situated in temperate regions; and
steppes, which can be found in either climate.

Desert Ecosystems

With a drier climate than grasslands, desert ecosystems are characterized by

relatively sparse vegetation, and the number of insects and animals is also relatively
limited. Deserts aren’t necessarily hot; they can lie in temperate zones as well. Nor
must they be sandy; many deserts feature rock floors.

Tundra Ecosystems

Tundra ecosystems, located in polar regions or on the tops of high mountains, are
frozen and snow-covered most of the year. Life is hard in these white, treeless swaths,
but during the brief summer, snows may melt enough to expose lichens or small
wildflowers and attract migrating birds.

Stillwater Ecosystems

Various aquatic ecosystems can be found in stagnant or very slowly flowing waters.
Lakes, ponds, bogs, freshwater and saltwater marshes, swamps and lagoons are
examples of ecosystems found in stationary or nearly-stationary waters. Algae,
plankton, underwater and floating plants, such as lily pads, may inhabit the calm
waters.
River and Stream Ecosystems

Consisting of flowing freshwater, river and stream ecosystems support a variety of

underwater life. Their relatively fast-moving waters boast a higher oxygen content than
that of stationary waters, allowing greater biodiversity among plant and animal
species.

Littoral Zones

Littoral zones are essentially coastlines, the often shallow parts of the ocean nearest
the shore. The waters in littoral zones experience a significant amount of turbulence,
due to wave action. Seaweed, barnacles, mollusks and crabs may be found in littoral
zones.

Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are often referred to as the “rainforests of the ocean” because these
ecosystems teem with life – an estimated one-quarter of marine species rely on them
for food or shelter. In addition to corals and brightly-colored fish, sponges, sea
anemones, sea urchins and clams make their homes in coral reefs.