Ecosystem PDF

Ecosystem Prepared by : Ritika Jha Class – 8 B What is an Ecosystem ? An ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of ecology where the living organisms interact with each other and the surrounding environment. In other words, an ecosystem is a chain of interactions between organisms...

Ecosystem Prepared by : Ritika Jha Class – 8 B What is an Ecosystem ? An ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of ecology where the living organisms interact with each other and the surrounding environment. In other words, an ecosystem is a chain of interactions between organisms and their environment. Structure Of Ecosystem Structure of Ecosystem The structure of an ecosystem is characterized by the organisation of both biotic and abiotic components. This includes the distribution of energy in our environment. It also includes the climatic conditions prevailing in that particular environment. The structure of an ecosystem can be split into two main components, namely: Biotic components Abiotic Components The biotic and abiotic components are interrelated in an ecosystem. It is an open system where the energy and components can flow throughout the boundaries. Biotic components Biotic components refer to all living components in an ecosystem. Based on nutrition, biotic components can be categorized into autotrophs, heterotrophs and saprotrophs (or decomposers).  Abiotic Components Abiotic components are the non-living component of an ecosystem. It includes air, water, soil, minerals, sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind, altitude, turbidity, etc. Functions of Ecosystem The functions of the ecosystem are as follows : 1. It regulates the essential ecological processes, supports life systems and renders stability. 2. It is also responsible for the cycling of nutrients between biotic and abiotic components. 3. It maintains a balance among the various trophic levels in the ecosystem. Functional components that work together in an ecosystem are: 1. Productivity – It refers to the rate of biomass production. 2. Energy flow – It is the sequential process through which energy flows from one trophic level to another. The energy captured from the sun flows from producers to consumers and then to decomposers and finally back to the environment. 3. Decomposition – It is the process of breakdown of dead organic material. The top-soil is the major site for decomposition. 4. Nutrient cycling – In an ecosystem nutrients are consumed and recycled back in various forms for the utilisation by various organisms.  Important Ecological Concepts Food chain – A food chain refers to the order of events in an ecosystem, where one living organism eats another organism, and later that organism is consumed by another larger organism. The flow of nutrients and energy from one organism to another at different trophic levels forms a food chain. Important Ecological Concepts Ecological pyramid - An ecological pyramid is the graphical representation of the number, energy, and biomass of the successive trophic levels of an ecosystem  Important Ecological Concepts Food Web - Food web is a network of interconnected food chains. It comprises all the food chains within a single ecosystem. It helps in understanding that plants lay the foundation of all the food chains. In a marine environment, phytoplankton forms the primary producer. Thank You