Ecosystem: Structure and Components

• An ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of ecology.
• It involves the interaction of living organisms with each other and their environment.
• Ecosystems are chains of interactions between organisms and their environments.
• The term "Ecosystem" was coined by A.G. Tansley in 1935.

Structure of the Ecosystem

• The organization of biotic and abiotic components characterizes an ecosystem's structure.
• The distribution of energy is an important element in the ecosystem's structure.
• Climatic conditions in a particular environment are an important structural element.

Components of an Ecosystem

• Biotic and abiotic components are interrelated.
• Energy and components flow throughout the boundaries of an open system.
• Biotic components refer to all the living components in an ecosystem.
• Biotic components are categorized into autotrophs, heterotrophs, and saprotrophs based on nutrition.
• Abiotic components are the non-living components of an ecosystem.
• Air, water, soil, minerals, sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind, altitude, and turbidity are examples of abiotic components.

Functions of Ecosystems

• Ecosystems regulate essential ecological processes and support life systems.
• They facilitate the cycling of nutrients between biotic and abiotic components.
• Ecosystems maintain balance among trophic levels.
• They cycle minerals through the biosphere.
• Abiotic components help synthesize organic components that involve energy exchange.

Functional Units of and Ecosystem

• Productivity refers to the rate of biomass production.
• Energy flow is the sequential process of energy transfer from one trophic level to another.
• Energy captured from the sun flows from producers to consumers, then to decomposers, and back to the environment.
• Decomposition is the breakdown of dead organic material, with top-soil being the major site.
• Nutrient cycling involves the consumption and recycling of nutrients by multiple organisms.

Factors Distinguishing Ecosystem Types

• Climate drives the type of vegetation and animal life.
• Elevation, latitude, and proximity to water bodies impact ecosystems' physical characteristics.
• Nutrient content and texture influence plant growth and species distribution in soil.
• Ecosystem richness and the complexity of species interactions vary widely.
• Human Influence: Urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation create artificial ecosystems and impact natural ones.

Types of Ecosystems

• Terrestrial
• Aquatic
• Artificial

Terrestrial Ecosystems

• These are exclusively land-based and inhabit soil or underground.
• Types include forest, grassland, tundra, and desert ecosystems.

Forest Ecosystem

• A forest ecosystem involves several trees, plants, animals, and microorganisms.
• These all coordinate with the abiotic factors of the environment.
• Forests maintain the earth's temperature and serve as major carbon sinks.
• Tropical rainforests, temperate forests and boreal forests are examples of forest ecosystems.

Tropical Rainforests

• Dense and warm forests near the equator in South America, Africa, the Amazon, and Southeast Asia.
• Tropical rainforests are characterized by high rainfall and broad-leaved trees that form a dense upper canopy.
• Rainforests have a diverse array of vegetation and other life and generally have rainy and dry seasons.
• They feature as many as 100 different species of trees.

Temperate Forests

• These are also known as temperate deciduous forests.
• They include high levels of precipitation, humidity, and deciduous trees.
• Temperate forests are found in North America, northeastern Asia, and Europe.
• Dominated by a mix of broad-leaved or coniferous trees.
• There are four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall.
• Temperate forests usually contain three to four species of trees per square kilometer.
• Common trees include oak, beech, elm, maple, birch, willow, and hickory.
• Common animals are rabbits, birds, squirrels, deer, wolves, foxes, and bears.

Boreal Forests

• These are also known as taiga or coniferous forests.
• They have a distinct seasonal cycle of long, cold winters and short, mild summers.
• Coniferous trees such as spruce, pine, and fir are common.
• Boreal Forests are found in the cold, northern regions of the world like Siberia, Scandinavia, Alaska, and Canada.
• They contain about a third of the world's carbon captured in trees and soil and help to purify the air.

Grassland Ecosystems

• Vegetation is dominated by grasses and herbs.

Tundra Ecosystems

• Tundra ecosystems are devoid of trees.
• They are found in cold climates or regions with scarce rainfall.
• Tundra ecosystems are covered with snow for most of the year.
• This type of ecosystem is found in the Arctic or on mountain tops.

Desert Ecosystems

• These are hot and dry regions with little rainfall and scarce vegetation.
• The days are hot, and the nights are cold.
• Common organisms include camels and cacti.

Aquatic Ecosystems

• Ecosystems that are present is a body of water
• Marine, freshwater, and estuarine are different types of aquatic ecosystems.

Marine Ecosystems

• Marine ecosystems contain the highest salt concentration in the water.
• This includes seas and oceans with a wide variety of organisms, providing greater biodiversity.

Freshwater Ecosystems

• These have a lesser salt content in the water compared to marine ecosystems.
• They include lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and wetlands.
• There is a comparatively smaller variety of organisms.

Estuarine Ecosystems

• Environments where freshwater meets saltwater.
• Saline and freshwater mixing creates unique conditions with high nutrient content and species diversity.

Artificial Ecosystems

• Human-made environments such as urban parks, agricultural fields, and reservoirs.
• Artificial ecosystems are shaped and maintained by human activity.