Which of the following can be classified as an artificial ecosystem?

The correct answer is Gardens.

Key Points

• An ecosystem is the basic functional unit of ecology
• Essentially, an ecosystem is a chain of interactions amongst organisms and their respective environments.
• The term “Ecosystem” was first coined by A.G.Tansely who was an English botanist, in the year 1953.
• Ecosystems can be broadly classified into 2 types namely Terrestrial Ecosystem and Aquatic Ecosystem. 
• Ecosystems are also classified into 2 types- Natural ecosystems and Man-made/Artificial Ecosystems.
• The difference between both kinds of systems is shown in the table below-

  Natural Ecosystem	Artificial Ecosystem
  It consists of many species of plants and animals.	Here Species diversity is low.
  Genetic diversity is very high.	Genetic diversity is very low.
  Food chains are long and complex.	Food chains are simple and often incomplete.
  Ecological succession takes place over time.	No ecological succession is seen.
  It is naturally sustainable.	It is naturally unsustainable.
  Examples include Forests, Grasslands, Seas, Oceans, etc.	Examples include Aquarium, Gardens, etc.

Additional Information

The Terrestrial Ecosystems can be further divided into Forest, Grassland, Tundra, and Desert Ecosystems respectively.

• Forest Ecosystem:-  This type of ecosystem consists of several plants, animals, and microorganisms that live in coordination with the abiotic factors of the environment.​​​
• Grassland Ecosystem:-  The grassland ecosystem mainly consists of grasses and herbs. For example- Temperate grasslands, Savanna grasslands etc.
• Tundra Ecosystem:- Tundra ecosystems lack trees and they are found in a cold climate or in areas of very low rainfall. These are covered with snow for most of the year. For example-  Arctic or mountain tops is tundra type of ecosystem.
• Desert Ecosystem:- These are the regions with very little or no rainfall characterized by very hot days and cold nights. For Example- Sahara Desert, Thar Desert, etc.

Important Points

The Aquatic Ecosystem can be further classified into Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems.

• Marine Ecosystem:- The marine ecosystem comprises the oceans and the seas. These types of ecosystems are characterized by high salt content and greater biodiversity with respect to the freshwater ecosystem.
• Freshwater Ecosystem:- The freshwater ecosystem is an aquatic ecosystem that comprises lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, along with the different wetlands. These type of ecosystems consists of no salt, unlike the marine ecosystems.