Difference Between Man-Made & Natural Ecosystems

Natural and man-made ecosystems share similar traits, but are very different.

An ecosystem is any group of plants and animals that live in the same space, share resources and are interdependent on one another. Though there are many similarities between man-made and natural ecosystems, there are some significant differences as well.

Types of Natural Ecosystems

There are innumerable types of natural ecosystems, from giant biomes like forests, to regional ecosystems like mountains and lakes, to the smallest tide pools and mud puddles.

Types of Man-Made Ecosystems

Some man-made ecosystems are products of land development, such as lakes, ponds, canals, parks and gardens. Others, such as farms, orchards and vegetable gardens, are agriculturally based.

Function

Whether created for recreation, food, irrigation or observation (such as an aquarium or ant farm), man-made ecosystems are always designed to suit an outside purpose. Natural ecosystems are self-contained and exist only to perpetuate their own survival.

Complexity

Man-made ecosystems are far less complex than natural ecosystems. They have little organic diversity and their food webs are relatively simple.

Maintenance

Natural ecosystems are self-regulatory, meaning that they don't require any outside assistance to function. Without the intervention of people, man-made ecosystems would decay and die.

References

• Alberta Oline Encyclopedia: What Is an Ecosystem
• Student Guide: Man-Made Ecosystem

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish