Difference between biogeocenosis and agrocenosis.

The components of biogeocenosis and agrocenosis are the same components of the environment. In both systems, living organisms are united by territorial and food ties. But in each case, you can notice its own characteristics.

Definition

Biogeocenosis is an independently developed ecosystem in which representatives of the living world are closely related to the inorganic components that make up their habitat. Examples: coniferous forest, flower meadow.

Agrocenosis is a system that appears when a person interferes with the space of the natural environment. Like biogeocenosis, it includes organic and inorganic parts. Examples: home garden, cornfield.

Comparison

When comparing the systems under consideration, one should first of all pay attention to their species composition. In this respect, the biogeocenosis is characterized by greater diversity. The agrocenosis is dominated by one or more crops selected by humans for cultivation (for example, potatoes planted on the site), and, accordingly, the number of animal species and lower organisms (bacteria, fungi) is also limited.

In this regard, the supply circuits in artificially created systems are shorter and simpler. However, in an area where there are many plants of the same species, all conditions are created for the vital activity of harmful organisms that can coexist with just such crops. Without experiencing biological competition, they can multiply and destroy crops or cause diseases in plants. As a result, the entire system is often threatened with destruction. The biogeocenosis is much more stable in this respect.

The difference between biogeocenosis and agrocenosis is also in the way in which the circulation of substances is carried out in each case. In a natural natural community, it is closed. Everything produced by plants (as well as their remains) is consumed by representatives of numerous food links and returned to the soil, enriching it. At the same time, the agrocenosis is created precisely for the purpose of harvesting. Accordingly, at the moment of harvesting, accompanied by a significant removal of biomass, the circulation of substances in such a system is disrupted, therefore in this case it is called open. To maintain balance, fertilizers are applied to the ground.

It is also important that the structure of the biogeocenosis is formed during the implementation of natural selection, eliminating weak types of organisms. In the agrocenosis, crops are involved, carefully selected by man, taking into account the degree of their productivity. In other words, in formations of this type, artificial selection is at work for the most part. At the same time, a person not only himself determines what will grow on the land area, but also ensures the supply of additional energy to the agrocenosis. For example, greenhouses are heated, artificial lighting is created. Meanwhile, ecosystems that exist without human intervention receive energy mainly from the sun.

What is the difference between biogeocenosis and agrocenosis? In the fact that the latter brings a real benefit to a person, since it serves as a source of the necessary products. Biogeocenosis, in turn, is not always useful from a practical point of view. However, it is a sustainable self-regulating entity. Agrocenosis, on the other hand, successfully exists for a more or less long period only under the condition of control by people. To maintain such a system requires the use of all kinds of agricultural techniques.

Table

Biogeocenosis Agrocenosis
Created by natureArtificially organized system
It is characterized by stability and self-regulationUnstable, regulated by man
Species diversityFew crops
Branched food chainsFood chains are shorter and simpler
Less susceptible to the action of pests, therefore, more resilientPests feel more comfortable in it, which can shorten the life of such a system
The circulation of substances is closedThe circulation of substances is not closed
Formed by natural selectionArtificial selection is leading
Receiving light and heat from the SunSometimes an additional new energy, the flow of which provides a person
Does not always bring practical benefit to a personA source of necessary products
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