Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Study Notes

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.

Description

Learn about the different components of ecosystems, including biodiversity, food chains, ecological balance, biomes, habitats, and energy flow. Test your understanding of these key concepts and how they interact to maintain a healthy ecosystem.