General Structure of Mainland Communities

General Structure of Mainland Communities The structure of terrestrial communities refers to the composition and distribution of living organisms in terrestrial environments. It includes the diversity of species, their relative abundance, and the interactions between them. These structures are affected by various environmental factors, such as climate, soil, and disturbances. Let's discuss in more detail the general structure of terrestrial communities, expanded from the information in the book as well as broader ecological knowledge: 1. Autotroph (Manufacturer) • Plants: Plants are the main producers in terrestrial ecosystems. They carry out photosynthesis, converting solar energy into chemical energy stored in the form of organic matter. Plants provide food and habitat for other organisms. • Roots: The root system of terrestrial plants is essential for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, as well as for supporting plants. Roots also interact with soil microorganisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi, in a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. • Vegetation: Vegetation is an umbrella term for any type of plant that lives in an area. The vegetation of the land is very diverse, ranging from dense tropical rainforests to vast grasslands. 2. Fagotroph (Macroconsumer) • Herbivores: Plant-eating animals, such as insects, mammals, and birds. They get energy and nutrients from plants. • Carnivores: Carnivorous animals, such as lions, tigers, and wolves. They get energy and nutrients from other animals. • Omnivores: Animals that eat plants and meat, such as bears and humans. • Detritivores: Organisms that feed on detritus (dead organic matter), such as earthworms and termites. They play an important role in the decomposition and cycling of nutrients. 3. Saprotrophs (Microconsumers) • Bacteria and Fungi: These microorganisms are the main decomposers in terrestrial ecosystems. They break down dead organic matter into inorganic substances that can be reused by plants. • Actinomycetes: Bacteria that resemble fungi and play a role in the formation of humus, the end product of decomposition. • Soil Protozoa: Single-celled microorganisms that feed on bacteria and other organic matter. Classification of Plant Life Forms Raunkiaer (1934) classifies terrestrial plants based on the position of their buds relative to the soil surface: • Phanerophytes: Buds, located above ground level, such as trees and shrubs. • Chamaefit: Buds are on the surface of the soil, for example herbaceous plants that grow creeping. • Hemicryptophytes: The buds are slightly below the ground level, e.g. grass. • Cryptofits/Geophytes: Buds, located in the soil, e.g. tubers. • Therophyte: An annual plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season, for example agricultural crops. • Epiphytes: Plants that grow on other plants, for example orchids. Factors Influencing the Structure of Terrestrial Communities • Climate: Temperature, rainfall, and humidity greatly affect the types of plants and animals that can live in a region. • Soil: Soil type, fertility, and water content affect plant growth and soil organism activity. • Disturbances: Fires, floods, hurricanes, and human activities can alter the structure of terrestrial communities. • Interspecies Interactions: Competition, predation, mutualism, and symbiosis between species affect the composition and abundance of species in a community. Understanding the general structure of terrestrial communities is essential for managing ecosystems sustainably, protecting biodiversity, and predicting the impact of environmental changes on ecosystems.