Ecosystem
From WaterWiki.net
Terms & Synonyms | Ecosystem |
Official WHO Definition | The term ecosystem [... ...] can be defined as a system of dynamic interdependent relationships among living organims and their physical environment. It is a bounded entity that has acquired self-stabilizing mechanisms and an internal balance that has been evolving over the curse of centuries (YASSI et al. 2001).
Within a stable ecosystem one species does not eliminate another; otherwise the food supply of the predator species would disappear. Stable and balanced ecosystems will survive longest. An ecosystem cannot sustain massive amounts of materials and energy being consumed by one species without depriving other species and eventually endangering the viability the viability of the entire ecosystem. Similarly, and ecosystem's capacity to absorb wastes and to replenish soild and fresh water is not limitless (YASSI et al. 2001). |
Other Definitions | The interacting system of a biological community and its non-living environmental
surroundings. |
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Contents |
Interpretations and Explanations
References
Yassi A, Kjellstrom, T, De Kok T. (et al.) (2001), Basic environmental health, Oxford University Press.World Commission on Environment and Development (1987), Our common future
WHO Lexicon page (translations and examples)
