<–2/”>a >Eco-System-An ecosystem is defined as a structural and functional unit of Biosphere consisting of community of living beings and the physical Environment, both interacting and exchanging materials between them. It includes Plants, trees, animals, fish, birds, micro-organisms, water, Soil, and people.
When an ecosystem is healthy (i.e. sustainable) it means that all the Elements live in balance and are capable of reproducing themselves
The components of the ecosystem is categorised into abiotic of non-living and biotic of living components. Both the components of ecosystem and environment are same.
- Abiotic Components
the inorganic and non-living parts of the world. consists of soil, water, air, and Light energy etc. involves a ,large number of chemicals like Oxygen, nitrogen-, etc. and physical processes including Volcanoes-2/”>Volcanoes, Earthquakes, floods, forest fires, climates, and weather conditions.
Abiotic factors are the most important determinants of where and how well an organism exists in its environment. Although these factors interact with each other, one single factor can-limit the range of an organism.
- a) Energy
Energy from the sun is essential for maintenance of life. Energy determines the distribution of organisms in the environment.
- b) Rainfall
- c) Temperature :-Temperature is a critical factor of the environment which greatly influences survival of organisms. Organisms can tolerate only a certain range of temperature and humidity.
- d) Atmosphere :It is made up of 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen , 0.038% carbon dioxide and other inert gases (0.93% Argon, Neon etc).
- e) Substratum :Land is covered by soil and a wide variety of microbes, protozoa, Fungi and small animals (invertebrates) thrive in it
- f) Materials:
(i) Organic compound
Such as proteins, Carbohydrates, lipids, humic substances are formed from inorganic compound on decomposition.
(ii) Inorganic compound
Such as carbon, carbon dioxide, water, sulphur, nitrates, phosphates, and ions of various metals are essential for organisms to survive.
- g) Latitude and altitude
Latitude has a strong influence on an area’s temperature, resulting in change of climates such as polar, tropical, and temperate. These climates determine different natural biomes. From sea level to highest peaks, wild life is influenced by altitude. As the altitude increases, the air becomes colder and drier, affecting wild life accordingly.( wild life decrease as altitude increase)
- Biotic Components :Biotic components include living organisms comprising plants, animals and microbes and are classified according to their functional attributes into producers and consumers.
Primary producers – Autotrophs (self-nourishing) Primary producers are basically green plants (and certain bacteria and algae). They synthesise carbohydrate from simple inorganic raw materials like carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight by the process of Photosynthesis for themselves, and supply indirectly to other non- producers.
In terrestrial ecosystem, producers are basically herbaceous and woody plants, while in AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM producers are various species of microscopic algae.
- b) Consumers — Heterotrophs or phagotrophs (other nourishing)
Consumers are incapable of producing their own food (photosynthesis).
They depend on organic food derived from plants, animals or both.
Consumers can be divided into two broad groups
(i) Macro consumers- They feed on plants or animals or both and are categorised on the basis of their food sources.
Herbivores are primary consumers which feed mainly on plants e.g. cow, rabbit.
Secondary consumers feed on primary consumers e.g. wolves.
Carnivores which feed on secondary consumers are called tertiary consumers e.g. lions which can eat wolves.
Omnivores are organisms which consume both plants and animals e.g. man.
(ii) Micro consumers – Saprotrophs (decomposers or osmotrophs)
They are bacteria and fungi which obtain energy and nutrients by decomposing dead organic substances (detritus) of plant and animal origin.
The products of decomposition such as inorganic nutrients which are released in the ecosystem are reused by producers and thus recycled.
Earthworm and certain soil organisms (such as nematodes, and arthropods) are detritus feeders and help in the decomposition of organic matter and are called detrivores.
Classification of Eco-system
- Natural Ecosystem-
Terrestrial- Forests, Grasslands, Deserts
Aquatic- Fresh Waters, Saline Waters, Marine Waters
Ecotone :- a zone of junction between two or more diverse Ecosystems. For e.g. the mangrove forests represent an ecotone between marine and terrestrial ecosystem.
Characteristics of Ecotone
It may be very narrow or quite wide. It has the conditions intermediate to the adjacent ecosystems. Hence it is a zone of tension.
It is linear as it shows progressive increase in species composition of one in coming community and a simultaneous decrease in species of the other out going adjoining community.
A well developed ecotones contain some organisms which are entirely different from that of the adjoining communities.
Sometimes the number of species and the Population density of some of the species is much greater in this zone than either community. This is called edge effect For example the density of birds is greater in the mixed habitat of the ecotone between the forest and the desert.,
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with the nonliving components of their environment. The living components of an ecosystem are called biotic factors, while the nonliving components are called abiotic factors. Biotic factors include plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria. Abiotic factors include air, water, soil, sunlight, and temperature.
Ecosystems can be classified into different types based on their size, location, and dominant biotic factors. Some examples of ecosystems include forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and Oceans.
Energy flow in an ecosystem is the movement of energy from one organism to another. The sun is the ultimate Source Of Energy for all ecosystems. Plants use sunlight to produce food through photosynthesis. Animals eat plants or other animals to obtain energy. Energy is then transferred from one organism to another as the organisms eat each other.
Nutrient cycling in an ecosystem is the movement of nutrients from the nonliving environment to living organisms and back again. Nutrients are essential for the Growth and survival of all organisms. They are obtained from the soil, water, or air. Plants take up nutrients from the soil through their roots. Animals get nutrients by eating plants or other animals. When organisms die, their bodies decompose and release nutrients back into the environment.
Ecological SUCCESSION is the process by which an ecosystem changes over time. Succession can be caused by changes in the environment, such as a change in Climate or a disturbance such as a fire. Succession can also be caused by the activities of organisms, such as the planting of a new forest.
Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. It includes the variety of plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria. Biodiversity is important because it provides us with food, medicine, and other Resources. It also helps to regulate the climate and protect us from natural disasters.
Ecosystem Services are the benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems. Ecosystem services include things like clean air, water, and food. They also include things like flood control, pollination, and climate regulation.
Threats to ecosystems include habitat loss, pollution, Climate Change, and invasive species. Habitat loss is the destruction of an ecosystem’s habitat. Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into an ecosystem. Climate change is the change in the Earth’s climate. Invasive species are species that are not native to an ecosystem and that can harm the ecosystem’s native species.
Conservation of ecosystems is the protection of ecosystems from harm. Conservation can be done through a variety of methods, such as setting aside land as Protected Areas, managing resources sustainably, and educating people about the importance of ecosystems.
In conclusion, ecosystems are important because they provide us with many benefits. We need to protect ecosystems from harm so that they can continue to provide us with these benefits.
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with the nonliving components of their environment.
What are the components of an ecosystem?
The components of an ecosystem can be divided into two main categories: biotic and abiotic. Biotic components are the living things in an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and Microorganisms. Abiotic components are the nonliving things in an ecosystem, such as air, water, soil, and sunlight.
What are the different types of ecosystems?
There are many different types of ecosystems, each with its own unique characteristics. Some common types of ecosystems include forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and oceans.
What are the interactions between biotic and abiotic components in an ecosystem?
The biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem interact in a variety of ways. For example, plants use sunlight to produce food, which animals then eat. Animals also help to pollinate plants and disperse seeds. The abiotic components of an ecosystem, such as soil and water, provide the resources that living things need to survive.
What are the benefits of ecosystems?
Ecosystems provide many benefits to humans, including food, water, and clean air. They also help to regulate the climate and provide us with places to enjoy nature.
What are the threats to ecosystems?
Human activities are the main threat to ecosystems. These activities include deforestation, pollution, and climate change. These activities can disrupt the delicate balance of an ecosystem and lead to the extinction of species.
What can we do to protect ecosystems?
There are many things we can do to protect ecosystems. We can reduce our consumption of resources, recycle, and conserve energy. We can also support organizations that are working to protect ecosystems.
What is the future of ecosystems?
The future of ecosystems is uncertain. If we continue to damage ecosystems at the current rate, many species will become extinct and ecosystems will collapse. However, if we take steps to protect ecosystems, they can continue to provide us with many benefits.
Which of the following is not a component of an ecosystem?
(A) Producers
(B) Consumers
(C) Decomposers
(D) SoilWhich of the following is an example of a producer?
(A) A tree
(B) A rabbit
(C) A mushroom
(D) A wormWhich of the following is an example of a consumer?
(A) A tree
(B) A rabbit
(C) A mushroom
(D) A wormWhich of the following is an example of a decomposer?
(A) A tree
(B) A rabbit
(C) A mushroom
(D) A wormWhich of the following is abiotic factor in an ecosystem?
(A) Water
(B) Soil
(C) Sunlight
(D) All of the aboveWhich of the following is a biotic factor in an ecosystem?
(A) Water
(B) Soil
(C) Sunlight
(D) PlantsWhich of the following is a food chain?
(A) Grass rabbit fox
(B) Grass rabbit hawk
(C) Grass rabbit snake
(D) All of the aboveWhich of the following is a food web?
(A) A Network of interconnected food chains
(B) A series of steps in which energy is transferred from one organism to another
(C) A group of organisms that interact with each other in a specific way
(D) All of the aboveWhich of the following is a keystone species?
(A) A species that is not essential to the ecosystem
(B) A species that has a large impact on the ecosystem even though it is not very abundant
(C) A species that is not very important to the ecosystem
(D) A species that is very abundant in the ecosystemWhich of the following is an example of a keystone species?
(A) The sea otter
(B) The gray wolf
(C) The American bison
(D) The bald eagleWhich of the following is a biodiversity hotspot?
(A) An area that has a high concentration of plant and animal species
(B) An area that is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation
(C) An area that is important for the conservation of biodiversity
(D) All of the aboveWhich of the following is not a threat to biodiversity?
(A) Habitat loss and fragmentation
(B) Overexploitation
(C) Pollution
(D) Climate changeWhich of the following is a way to conserve biodiversity?
(A) Protect and restore habitats
(B) Reduce pollution
(C) Manage resources sustainably
(D) All of the aboveWhich of the following is a sustainable practice?
(A) Using renewable resources
(B) Recycling
(C) Reducing, reusing, and recycling
(D) All of the aboveWhich of the following is not a sustainable practice?
(A) Using non-renewable resources
(B) Deforestation
(C) Pollution
(D) All of the above