Question

Which of the following is an example of a human-made ecosystem?

• A. Forest
• B. Coral Reef
• C. Cropland
• D. Pond

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Cropland

Understanding Ecosystems

• An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (biotic components) interacting with their non-living environment (abiotic components).
• Ecosystems vary greatly in size, ranging from a small pond to a vast forest or ocean.

Types of Ecosystems

• Ecosystems are broadly classified into two main types based on their origin and maintenance:
  • Natural Ecosystems: These are formed and maintained by natural processes without significant human intervention. They are self-regulating. Examples include forests, grasslands, deserts, oceans, lakes, and rivers.
  • Artificial (Human-made or Anthropogenic) Ecosystems: These are created, modified, and maintained by human beings for specific purposes. They require continuous human input and management to survive and function.

Cropland as a Human-made Ecosystem

• A cropland is a primary example of a human-made or artificial ecosystem.
• It is deliberately created and managed by humans to cultivate specific crops for food, fiber, or other agricultural products.
• Key characteristics that classify cropland as an artificial ecosystem include:
  • High Human Intervention: Activities such as plowing, sowing, irrigating, fertilizing, pest control, and harvesting are essential for its existence and productivity.
  • Reduced Biodiversity: Croplands often involve monoculture (growing a single crop species over a large area), which significantly lowers the natural biodiversity compared to natural ecosystems.
  • External Inputs: They heavily depend on external inputs like fertilizers (chemical or organic), pesticides, herbicides, and irrigation water, all supplied and managed by humans.
  • Simplified Food Chains: The food web within a cropland is much simpler than in a natural ecosystem, primarily centered around the cultivated crop and its direct consumers.

Examples of Other Ecosystem Types

• Natural Ecosystem Examples:
  • Forest: A large area dominated by trees, supporting diverse plant and animal life, with complex interdependencies.
  • Grassland: Characterized by grasses as the dominant vegetation, often supporting grazing animals.
  • Ocean: The largest natural ecosystem, covering most of the Earth's surface, with vast marine biodiversity.
• Other Artificial Ecosystem Examples:
  • Gardens and Parks: Designed and maintained by humans for aesthetic or recreational purposes.
  • Aquariums: Enclosed environments for aquatic organisms, entirely controlled and managed by humans.
  • Urban Areas/Cities: Highly modified environments dominated by human infrastructure, where natural processes are significantly altered.

Competitive Exam Focus Points

• Key Distinction: The primary difference lies in the extent of human influence and dependence for maintenance. Natural ecosystems are self-sustaining, whereas artificial ones are not without human inputs.
• Biodiversity Level: Natural ecosystems typically exhibit higher biodiversity and complex food webs. Artificial ecosystems generally have lower biodiversity and simpler food chains due to human selection and management.
• Ecological Balance: Natural ecosystems maintain a delicate balance through internal regulatory mechanisms. Artificial ecosystems require constant human management to prevent imbalances (e.g., pest outbreaks in monoculture).
• Sustainability Aspect: Natural ecosystems are inherently more sustainable over long periods due to their self-regulating nature. Artificial ecosystems often demand significant energy and resource inputs, making them less sustainable without continuous human effort.