Inter-ecosystem relation (an attempt of classification)

Abstract

The importance of inter-ecosystem relations is a priori clear to most of ecologists. Inter-ecosystem relations provide for the integrity of ecological systems of all levels (from consortion to biosphere). The relations between consortions and other ecosystems have not been studied in detail so far. Hence, there is a lack of information about classification of inter-ecosystem relations. Among the most well-studied are anthropogenic relations between natural ecosystems and urboecosystems (Holubets, 2000). We propose a classification of the inter-ecosystem relations based on the following criteria: by origin (natural, anthropogenic, natural-anthropogenic), by frequency (dispo­sable, cyclic, acyclic, permanent), by consequences (normal, catastrophic, evolutio­nary), by relation type (trophic, topic, fabric, foric, mediopatic, behavioral). As the proposed classification is a pioneer one, we believe it will be developed and transformed during the field research of the inter-ecosystem relations. A detailed program of research should be elaborated.