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Reference.org
Terrestrial ecosystem
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<p>Terrestrial ecosystems are <a href="/facts/Ecosystem/kVE8mSmR">ecosystems</a> that are found on land. Examples include <a href="/facts/Tundra/BqC0AQ7u">tundra</a>, <a href="/facts/Taiga/xjkPQRJs">taiga</a>, <a href="/facts/Temperate_deciduous_forest/JEKPQjAq">temperate deciduous forest</a>, <a href="/facts/Tropical_rain_forest/jTGAqqk5">tropical rain forest</a>, <a href="/facts/Grassland/T4P1kqT0">grassland</a>, <a href="/facts/Deserts/eRAerQ9v">deserts</a>. </p><p>Terrestrial ecosystems differ from <a href="/facts/Aquatic_ecosystem/TkNqBg4N">aquatic ecosystems</a> by the predominant presence of <a href="/facts/Soil/5Ddpr3QM">soil</a> rather than <a href="/facts/Surface_water/KQCY5RcY">water at the surface</a> and by the extension of plants above this soil/water surface in terrestrial ecosystems. There is a wide range of water availability among terrestrial ecosystems (including <a href="/facts/Water_scarcity/YN3qIwmv">water scarcity</a> in some cases), whereas water is seldom a limiting factor to organisms in aquatic ecosystems. Because water buffers temperature fluctuations, terrestrial ecosystems usually experience greater <a href="/facts/Diurnal_temperature_variation/nqz0KRKV">diurnal</a> and seasonal temperature fluctuations than do aquatic ecosystems in similar climates. </p><p>Terrestrial ecosystems are of particular importance especially in meeting <a href="/facts/Sustainable_Development_Goal_15/FBfhxKhs">Sustainable Development Goal 15</a> that targets the conservation-restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. </p>