Basic Components of an Ecosystem

 

Ecosystems are comprised of both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors. These factors distinguish one ecosytem from another by setting boundaries. Some ecosystems have clearly defined boundaries where others do not. Finding these boundaries can be difficult in most cases, so boundaries are typically subjective. Boundaries and characteristics are largely dependent upon the climate that exists in that ecosystem. For example, ecosystems found in the Middle East are vastly different from those in Antartica where temperatures are immensly lower. Boundaries can also be defined by the area where animals dwell or roam. They can even be defined by using topographic features (for example, two mountains enclosing a valley). Although most of the processes that occur in ecosystems are bound to their boundaries, some are not. For example, bats can fly in and out of different ecosystems, as well as chemical elements like carbon and nitrogen that are dissolved in water. So ultimately a change in one ecosystem can have an effect on many other ecosystems.