Difference Between Natural and Artificial Ecosystems
Natural and artificial ecosystems are two different ecosystems. The differences between natural ecosystems and artificial ecosystems are stated below:
Basis of Comparison |
Natural Ecosystem |
Artificial Ecosystem |
---|---|---|
Meaning |
Naturally occurring ecosystems developed due to the constant interaction between the biotic and abiotic factors of the environment without any human influence |
Human-made ecosystem developed for specific purposes, comprising of plants, animals, people, and technology regulated and maintained by human |
Examples |
Forests, mountains, oceans, deserts, grasslands etc. |
Agricultural fields, poultry farms, aquariums, dams, etc. |
Purpose |
To maintain the balance of nature and the biochemical cycle of life. |
To study or examine the natural processes, to conserve the particular flora or fauna and to enjoy and exhibit the artificially created environment. |
Function |
To protect and conserve the biodiversity, natural resources, and to maintain the ecological balance. |
To improve crop production, animal husbandry practices, and enhancing natural productivity by using artificial tools and techniques. |
Biodiversity |
A high level of biodiversity, with a large number of different species coexisting in a complex web of interdependence. |
Biodiversity is very low as only a few dominant species coexists in a simplified artificial system. |
Genetic Variance |
Genetic variability is very high which continuously keeps on interacting in a complex manner. |
Genetic variability is very low as less favored species gradually decreases. |
Sustainability |
Self-sustaining |
Requires human assistance to supply food, nutrients, etc. for their survival. |
Level of resilience |
Highly resilient and capable of adapting to changes in their environment and evolving. |
Often becomes less resilient and more susceptible to the environmental changes or changes from the ideal conditions. |
Food Chain |
Food chains are complicated and interconnected to form a food web. |
Simple, disordered, and discontinuous food chain. |
Energy Source |
The ultimate energy source of producers is sunlight, which then supplies energy to the successive trophic levels. |
Sunlight provides energy to producers, but it is not always passed to the next trophic level. |
Nutrient Cycle |
The Nutrient cycle is entangled but complete. |
Nutrient cycle is simple but incomplete. |
Ecological Succession |
An adequate level of ecological succession occurs due to evolution and adequate biological, geological, and ecological processes. |
Ecological succession is not possible. |
Difference between Natural and Artificial Ecosystem
The main difference between a natural and artificial ecosystem is that a natural ecosystem is an ecosystem that occurs naturally without any human influence, whereas an artificial ecosystem is created and maintained by humans. An ecosystem is a community of living organisms that interact with each other and the environment where they live.
In this article, we will read about natural and artificial ecosystems, their types, examples, and differences between Natural and Artificial ecosystems.
Table of Content
- Difference Between Natural and Artificial Ecosystems
- What is the Natural Ecosystem?
- What is the Artificial Ecosystem?
- Conclusion: Difference between Natural and Artificial Ecosystem
- FAQs on Natural and Artificial Ecosystem