INI

Ecosystem Classifications - INI

Ecosystem classification is a system for categorizing Earth's diverse ecosystems based on characteristics such as biological communities, climate, soil, and topography. The IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology 2.0 is a hierarchical classification system consisting of 5 realms (terrestrial, freshwater, marine, subterranean, transitional), 25 biomes, and further subdivided ecosystem functional groups. This classification is widely used as an international standard for ecosystem conservation status assessments and environmental-economic accounting.

ecosystem biome IUCN conservation biodiversity ecological classification

[item.tropical-subtropical-forests]
code=T1
slug=tropical-subtropical-forests
name=Tropical-Subtropical Forests
description=Forest ecosystems adapted to hot and humid climates near the equator.
realm=Terrestrial

[item.temperate-boreal-forests-woodlands]
code=T2
slug=temperate-boreal-forests-woodlands
name=Temperate-Boreal Forests and Woodlands
description=Forest ecosystems distributed from temperate to boreal regions with distinct seasonal changes.
realm=Terrestrial

[item.shrublands-shrubby-woodlands]
code=T3
slug=shrublands-shrubby-woodlands
name=Shrublands and Shrubby Woodlands
description=Ecosystems dominated by shrubs in Mediterranean climates and dry regions.
realm=Terrestrial

[item.savannas-grasslands]
code=T4
slug=savannas-grasslands
name=Savannas and Grasslands
description=Grassland ecosystems dominated by herbaceous plants with scattered trees.
realm=Terrestrial

[item.deserts-semi-deserts]
code=T5
slug=deserts-semi-deserts
name=Deserts and Semi-Deserts
description=Dryland ecosystems adapted to extremely low precipitation.
realm=Terrestrial

[item.polar-alpine-cryogenic]
code=T6
slug=polar-alpine-cryogenic
name=Polar-Alpine (Cryogenic)
description=Polar and alpine ecosystems adapted to permafrost and low-temperature environments.
realm=Terrestrial

[item.intensive-anthropogenic-terrestrial]
code=T7
slug=intensive-anthropogenic-terrestrial
name=Intensive Anthropogenic Terrestrial Ecosystems
description=Terrestrial ecosystems created by human activities.
realm=Terrestrial

[item.rivers-streams]
code=F1
slug=rivers-streams
name=Rivers and Streams
description=Freshwater ecosystems characterized by flowing water.
realm=Freshwater

[item.lakes]
code=F2
slug=lakes
name=Lakes
description=Freshwater ecosystems characterized by standing water.
realm=Freshwater

[item.palustrine-wetlands]
code=TF1
slug=palustrine-wetlands
name=Palustrine Wetlands
description=Wetland ecosystems located at the boundary between terrestrial and freshwater realms.
realm=Transitional

[item.marine-shelf]
code=M1
slug=marine-shelf
name=Marine Shelf
description=Marine ecosystems including the continental shelf.
realm=Marine

[item.shorelines]
code=MT1
slug=shorelines
name=Shorelines
description=Coastal ecosystems where land and sea meet.
realm=Transitional

[item.subterranean-lithic]
code=S1
slug=subterranean-lithic
name=Subterranean Lithic
description=Ecosystems existing in underground rock spaces.
realm=Subterranean