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What Are the Components of a Fragile Ecosystem?

An ecosystem contains all the living organisms in a specific area, along with the physical components of the habitat. The term "ecosystem" was coined by Roy Clapham in 1930 to describe the combination of biological, physical and chemical assets of any given environment. Every ecosystem is comprised of two main parts: the biotic (living) features and the abiotic (nonliving) features. The components that make up a fragile ecosystem can be broken down into a few broad categories.

Regulating Components
- The local climate is a significant factor in maintaining a fragile ecosystem. Floods, droughts, storms and temperature all contribute to regulating nutrient balances and proper water filtration through plants and small organisms. Soil properties and physical land formations also contribute to water retention and soil protection. Trees and plant life affect the sunlight received by the soil, influencing plants that may grow beneath them. Atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases, such as CO2, also play a part in regulating the ecosystem.
Provisions
- The availability of food sources and clean drinking water are important regardless of what types of living animals and plants inhabit the ecosystem. Considerations such as natural medicines, fur, leather and shelter-building supplies also come into play when humans are a part of the ecosystem.
Biodiversity
- A variety of species and biological diversity can ensure greater resilience of a fragile ecosystem, since more species in a location can reduce effects of change by having greater opportunities to collectively respond and adapt to new factors or conditions. As species in a fragile ecosystem die out, the entire ecosystem becomes less resilient to future changes.

Nature