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We shall limit our observations to the conditions in natural
ecosystems, since it would be beyond the scope of this book to
embark upon a consideration of secondary, man-made ecosystems. 2.
Classification of the Geo-biosphere into Zonobiomes The biosphere
is the thin layer of the earth's surface to which the phenomena
connected with living matter are confined. On land, this comprises
the lowest layer of the atmosphere permanently inhabited by living
organisms and into which plants extend, as well as the
root-containing portion of the lithosphere, which we term the soil.
Living organisms are also found in all bodies of water, to the very
depths of the oceans. In a watery medium, however, cycling of
material is achieved by means other than those on land, and the
organisms (plankton) are so different that aquatic ecosystems have
to be dealt with separately. The biosphere is therefore subdivided
into (a) the geo-biosphere comprising terrestrial ecosystems, and
(b) the hydro-biosphere, comprising aquatic ecosystems, which is
the field of hydrobiologists (oceanographers and limnologists) .
Our studies are confined to the geo-biosphere (Walter 1976), which
constitutes the habitat of man and is, therefore, of special
interest. The prevailing climate, being the primary independent
factor in the environment, can be used as a basis for further
subdivision of the geo-biosphere since the formation of soil and
type of vegetation are dependent upon it (see p. 3), and it has not
yet been substantially influenced by man.
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