A maize field is an example of an artificial ecosystems. Image wordpress.com

A maize field is an example of an artificial ecosystems. Image wordpress.com

ZIMSEC O Level Combined Science Notes: Artificial Ecosystems

  • An artificial ecosystem is one that is heavily influenced by human activities
  • The practice of mono-culture, crop production and the rearing of animals are all examples of artificial ecosystems
  • Like with natural ecosystems there are plants, which are eaten by consumers which are in turn eaten by predators
  • All these are decomposed by micro-organisms in the soil and interact with the physical environment
  • Energy flows from one feeding (trophic) level to the next
  • Most ecosystems are in a state of balance because there are a large variety of producers and consumers living together
  • Each organism has a role to play and they are all interdependent
  • This balance may be lost if humans interfere
  • For example farming activities destroy the equilibrium
  • The same types of plants are grown over an area
  • This practice is known as mono-culture
  • This leads to a decrease of fertility and yieds
  • If large numbers of animals are reared in the same area this may lead to overgrazing and the deterioration of the natural ecosystems
  • As a result animals and plants in artificial ecosystems suffer from pest problems
  • These pests can multiply and spread quickly and easily
  • In artificial ecosystems the food produced is for humans only
  • Crops supplant other animals and ecosystems
  • There is also less or no recycling of nutrients back into the soil
  • Food is not available in that area for other animals

To access more topics go to the Combined Science Notes page.