6 Questions
What is the primary function of decomposers in an ecosystem?
To break down organic matter into simpler compounds
Which type of ecosystem service involves the provision of food, water, and wood?
Provisioning Services
What is the result of habitat destruction in an ecosystem?
A loss of natural habitats
What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?
To convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis
Which type of ecosystem is characterized by coral reefs, estuaries, and open ocean?
Marine Ecosystems
What is a consequence of climate change on ecosystems?
An alteration of ecosystem processes and species distributions
Study Notes
Ecosystems
Definition
- An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living components interacting with each other 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 simpler compounds
-
Abiotic Factors:
- Light
- Temperature
- Water
- Soil
- Air
- Nutrients
Energy Flow in Ecosystems
- Producers convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis
- Herbivores feed on producers
- Carnivores feed on herbivores
- Omnivores feed on both producers and herbivores
- Decomposers break down dead organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem
Ecosystem Services
- Supporting Services: nutrient cycling, soil formation, primary production
- Provisioning Services: food, water, wood, medicinal resources
- Regulating Services: climate regulation, air and water purification, pest control
- Cultural Services: recreation, tourism, spiritual enrichment
Types of Ecosystems
- Terrestrial Ecosystems: forests, grasslands, deserts
- Freshwater Ecosystems: rivers, lakes, wetlands
- Marine Ecosystems: coral reefs, estuaries, open ocean
- Arctic/Antarctic Ecosystems: tundra, ice sheets
Ecosystem Disruption
- Habitat Destruction: human activities leading to loss of natural habitats
- Invasive Species: non-native species outcompeting native species for resources
- Climate Change: altering ecosystem processes and species distributions
Conservation Efforts
- Protected Areas: national parks, wildlife reserves, conservation areas
- Sustainable Resource Management: responsible forestry, fishing, and agriculture practices
- Ecological Restoration: rehabilitating damaged or degraded ecosystems
Ecosystem Definition
- An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living components interacting with each other in a specific environment
Components of an Ecosystem
-
Biotic Factors: living components of an ecosystem
- 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 simpler compounds
-
Abiotic Factors: non-living components of an ecosystem
- Light
- Temperature
- Water
- Soil
- Air
- Nutrients
Energy Flow in Ecosystems
- Producers convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis
- Herbivores feed on producers
- Carnivores feed on herbivores
- Omnivores feed on both producers and herbivores
- Decomposers break down dead organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem
Ecosystem Services
- Supporting Services: nutrient cycling, soil formation, primary production
- Provisioning Services: food, water, wood, medicinal resources
- Regulating Services: climate regulation, air and water purification, pest control
- Cultural Services: recreation, tourism, spiritual enrichment
Types of Ecosystems
- Terrestrial Ecosystems: forests, grasslands, deserts
- Freshwater Ecosystems: rivers, lakes, wetlands
- Marine Ecosystems: coral reefs, estuaries, open ocean
- Arctic/Antarctic Ecosystems: tundra, ice sheets
Ecosystem Disruption
- Habitat Destruction: human activities leading to loss of natural habitats
- Invasive Species: non-native species outcompeting native species for resources
- Climate Change: altering ecosystem processes and species distributions
Conservation Efforts
- Protected Areas: national parks, wildlife reserves, conservation areas
- Sustainable Resource Management: responsible forestry, fishing, and agriculture practices
- Ecological Restoration: rehabilitating damaged or degraded ecosystems
Learn about the components of an ecosystem, including biotic and abiotic factors, and how they interact with each other in a specific environment.
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