Ecosystems and Their Components

Study Notes

Ecosystems consist of both organisms (biotic components) and the environment (abiotic components) interacting with each other.
The concept of ecosystems was introduced by Sir Arthur Tansley in 1935.
Ecosystems can be natural (terrestrial and aquatic) or man-made (anthropogenic).
In ecosystems, organisms are interconnected through energy flow, with green plants being the primary producers through photosynthesis.
Consumers in ecosystems include herbivores (primary consumers), carnivores (secondary consumers), and top carnivores (tertiary consumers).
Parasites, scavengers, and decomposers (saprotrophs) are also part of the ecosystem's consumer chain.
Abiotic components of ecosystems include climatic factors (temperature, humidity, rainfall), edaphic factors (soil), and other factors like water balance, light duration, air quality, pH levels, and topography.
Living organisms in ecosystems adapt to environmental conditions for survival, such as through physiological and behavioral adaptations for temperature extremes.
Water plays a vital role in ecosystems, supporting life through its unique chemical properties and cycling through the biosphere via the hydrological cycle.
The distribution of organisms in ecosystems is influenced by factors like soil salinity, topography, background color for camouflage, wind, water currents, and light duration.
Ecosystems are dependent on the balance between biotic and abiotic components for their sustainability and function.

Description

Explore the intricate balance between biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (environmental factors) components in ecosystems. Learn about energy flow, consumer interactions, adaptations, and the vital role of water in sustaining life within ecosystems.