IV.   Complex Life

An Ecosystem is a self contained geographic location defined by a unique combination of air, soil, water and organisms.

Ecosystems may be defined into three main types being Natural, Temporary and Artificial and further into four sub types being Terrestrial, Aquatic, Lentic and Lotic:

(i) Terrestrial Ecosystems are those found only on landform such as tundra, forest and grasslands; and

(ii) Acquatic Ecosystems are those found within a body of water such as marine or freshwater; and

(iii) Lentic Ecosystems are smaller ecosystems found around a lake, pond or swamp; and

(iv) Lotic Ecosystems are smaller ecosystems found around a river, stream or spring.

All natural ecosystems have a right to exist, including the animals that inhabit them.