Ecosystems: Biotic and Abiotic Components

Study Notes

Definition

An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living components that interact with each other in a specific environment.
It consists of biotic factors (living organisms) and abiotic factors (non-living components).

Components of an Ecosystem

Biotic factors:
- Producers (plants, algae, phytoplankton): convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
- Consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores): obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
- Decomposers (bacteria, fungi): break down organic matter into simple nutrients.
Abiotic factors:
- Light
- Temperature
- Water
- Soil
- Air
- Nutrients

Energy Flow in an Ecosystem

Energy from sunlight is converted into chemical energy through photosynthesis by producers.
Energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next through consumption.
Decomposers release energy back into the environment as nutrients.

Ecosystem Services

Provisioning services: provide resources such as food, water, and timber.
Regulating services: regulate climate, air and water quality, and disease outbreaks.
Cultural services: provide recreational, spiritual, and aesthetic values.
Supporting services: maintain soil health, pollination, and nutrient cycling.

Ecosystem Types

Terrestrial ecosystems: forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra.
Freshwater ecosystems: rivers, lakes, wetlands.
Marine ecosystems: coral reefs, estuaries, open ocean.
Arctic/Antarctic ecosystems: tundra, ice sheets.

Ecosystem Interactions

Symbiotic relationships:
- Mutualism: both species benefit.
- Commensalism: one species benefits, the other is not affected.
- Parasitism: one species benefits, the other is harmed.
Predator-prey relationships: predators feed on prey, influencing population dynamics.
Competition: organisms compete for limited resources, leading to adaptations and evolution.

Definition of an Ecosystem

An ecosystem is a community of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components interacting in a specific environment.

Components of an Ecosystem

Biotic factors:
- Producers (plants, algae, phytoplankton) convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
- Consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores) obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
- Decomposers (bacteria, fungi) break down organic matter into simple nutrients.
Abiotic factors:
- Light
- Temperature
- Water
- Soil
- Air
- Nutrients

Energy Flow

Energy from sunlight is converted into chemical energy through photosynthesis by producers.
Energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next through consumption.
Decomposers release energy back into the environment as nutrients.

Ecosystem Services

Provisioning services: provide resources like food, water, and timber.
Regulating services: regulate climate, air and water quality, and disease outbreaks.
Cultural services: provide recreational, spiritual, and aesthetic values.
Supporting services: maintain soil health, pollination, and nutrient cycling.

Ecosystem Types

Terrestrial ecosystems: forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra.
Freshwater ecosystems: rivers, lakes, wetlands.
Marine ecosystems: coral reefs, estuaries, open ocean.
Arctic/Antarctic ecosystems: tundra, ice sheets.

Ecosystem Interactions

Symbiotic relationships:
- Mutualism: both species benefit.
- Commensalism: one species benefits, the other is not affected.
- Parasitism: one species benefits, the other is harmed.
Predator-prey relationships: predators feed on prey, influencing population dynamics.
Competition: organisms compete for limited resources, leading to adaptations and evolution.

Description

This quiz covers the definition and components of an ecosystem, including biotic and abiotic factors, producers, consumers, and decomposers. Test your knowledge of the interactions between living and non-living components in a specific environment.