Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Ecosystem

Biodiversity

• Refers to the variety of different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms that live in an ecosystem
• Includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity
• Important for maintaining ecosystem health and resilience

Food Chain

• A series of organisms that eat other organisms, with each level being consumed by the next
• Producers (plants) -> Primary consumers (herbivores) -> Secondary consumers (carnivores) -> Tertiary consumers (top predators) -> Decomposers
• Energy and nutrients are transferred from one level to the next

Ecological Balance

• The stable state of an ecosystem where the number of individuals of each species remains relatively constant
• Achieved through the interactions of species and their environment
• Maintained through processes such as predation, competition, and symbiosis

Biome

• A large, naturally occurring community of plants and animals that occupy a specific habitat
• Examples include deserts, forests, grasslands, and tundras
• Characterized by specific climate, vegetation, and animal life

Habitats

• The natural environment in which an organism lives, including living and non-living factors
• Provides the necessary resources for an organism to survive, such as food, water, shelter, and breeding grounds
• Can be affected by human activities, leading to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity

Energy Flow

• The movement of energy from one organism to another through the food chain
• Energy is lost at each level, with the majority being lost as heat
• Pyramid of energy: producers (most energy) -> primary consumers -> secondary consumers -> tertiary consumers (least energy)

Note: These notes aim to provide a concise overview of the key concepts related to ecosystems. They are not exhaustive, and further study is recommended to gain a deeper understanding of each topic.