What is a Terrestrial Ecosystem? - Definition, Examples & Types

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  • 0:02 Definition
  • 0:32 Types & Examples
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Lesson Transcript
Instructor: Derrick Arrington


There are a variety of different ecosystems all over the world. In this lesson, we will examine terrestrial ecosystems. This will allow us to gain an understanding of the living and non-living factors that makeup these dynamic ecosystems.

Definition of Terrestrial Ecosystems

An ecosystem is a collection of communities of both living and non-living things that are interrelated. While many ecosystems exist on land and in the waters of the world, terrestrial ecosystems are those that are found only on land. The biotic, or living things found in an ecosystem, include various life forms, such as plants and animals. The abiotic, or non-living things found in an ecosystem, include the various land-forms and the climate.

Types and Examples of Terrestrial Ecosystems

While there have been many classification schemes developed over time, it is now generally accepted that there are six types of terrestrial ecosystems. These include taiga, tundra, deciduous forest, grasslands, tropical rain forests, and deserts.

Taigas are cold-climate forests found in the northern latitudes. Taigas are the world's largest terrestrial ecosystem and account for about 29% of the Earth's forests. The largest taiga ecosystems are found in Canada and Russia. Taigas are known for their sub-arctic climate with extremely cold winters and mild summers. They primarily consist of coniferous trees, such as pines, although there are some other deciduous trees, such as spruce and elm, that have adapted to live in these areas that receive little direct sunlight for much of the year. Taigas are home to large herbivores, such as moose, elk, and bison, as well as omnivores, such as bears.

The tundra ecosystems of the world are found primarily north of the Arctic Circle. They consist of short vegetation and essentially no trees. The soil is frozen and covered with permafrost for a large portion of the year. Caribou, polar bears, and musk ox are some of the notable species who call the tundra home.

Deciduous forest ecosystems make up the eastern half of North America and a large portion of Europe. They typically have an average yearly temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and they average about 30-60 inches of rain per year. These forests are inhabited by a variety of wildlife, including deer, bear, foxes, as well as numerous species of trees, shrubs, and flowers. If you live in or have ever traveled to the eastern United States, you have been to a deciduous forest.

Grasslands are also known as plains and prairies. If you imagine the 'Wild West' with tumbleweeds blowing across the plains and large herds of deer and buffalo, such as the prairies of Nebraska, then you are imagining the grasslands. These ecosystems are characterized by 20-35 inches of rain per year and a predominant covering of various species of grasses. They are also known for their very rich soil.

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