Question

Differentiate between the following:

Ecosystem and Biosphere

Answer 1

Ecosystem	Biosphere
1. An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature consisting of living organisms and their physical environment interacting with each other.	1. The biosphere is the part of the Earth where life exists. It includes all ecosystems.
2. It consists of biotic and abiotic components interacting within a particular area	2. It consists of all living organisms and the life-supporting regions of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.
3. It may be small or large, depending on the area covered.	3. It is the largest ecological unit, covering all life-supporting regions of the Earth.
4. It involves energy flow and nutrient cycling within a particular ecological system.	4. It involves the global flow of energy and cycling of nutrients among different ecosystems.
5. Examples: Pond ecosystem, forest ecosystem and grassland ecosystem.	5. Example: The Earth's biosphere.