ECOSYSTEM
By- Leonardo Da Gogoi
Class - X C
Roll no - 18
Concept and Structure of an
Ecosystem
An ecosystem is the basic structural and
functional unit of nature. It includes all
living organisms (biotic components) in a
specific area, interacting with each other
and with their non-living physical
environment (abiotic components).
*Ecosystems are self-sustaining. They
manage their own energy flow and
material recycling. *
Components of an Ecosystem
1. Biotic Components (Living)
These are classified based on how they obtain energy: | Type |
Role | Example | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Producers (Autotrophs) |
Create food using sunlight (photosynthesis). They are the
base of all food chains. | Plants, Algae. | | Consumers
(Heterotrophs) | Eat other organisms. | Deer (Primary), Fox
(Secondary), Lion (Tertiary). | | Decomposers (Saprotrophs) |
Break down dead organic matter (like trash) and waste,
releasing nutrients back into the soil. They are nature's
recyclers. | Bacteria, Fungi. |
2. Abiotic Components (Non-living)
These factors determine the type of life an ecosystem can
support.
Energy: Sunlight (the main source).
Inorganic Substances: Water, oxygen, carbon dioxide,
minerals (like nitrogen and phosphorus).
Physical Factors: Temperature, rainfall (precipitation),
wind, soil type, and topography (land shape).
Energy Flow and Food Webs
The Flow of Energy (The Engine of Life)
Energy flows in a one-way direction, starting from the sun.
a. Sunlight is captured by Producers.
b. Energy is transferred to Consumers when they eat.
c. A significant amount of energy is lost as heat at every
transfer.
Trophic Levels: The specific feeding position of an organism in
a food chain.
Level 1: Producers (Plants)
Level 2: Primary Consumers (Herbivores)
Level 3: Secondary Consumers (Carnivores/Omnivores)
...and so on.
Food Chains and Food Webs
Food Chain: A linear path showing the transfer of energy.
Example: Grass-> Goat ->Human
Food Web: A complex, interconnected network of many food
chains. It represents the actual feeding relationships in nature,
which are rarely simple. Food webs provide stability; if one
food source runs out, the consumer can switch to another.
The 10% Law of Energy Transfer
Only about 10% of the energy is transferred from one
trophic level to the next higher level. The remaining 90% is
used for life processes (respiration, movement) or lost as
heat to the environment.
Cycles and Conservation
Nutrient Cycling (Biogeochemical Cycles)
The continuous movement of essential chemical
elements (nutrients) between the living (biotic)
and non-living (abiotic) parts of the ecosystem.
Crucial Role of Decomposers: They ensure
nutrients locked up in dead matter are released
back into the soil/water for the producers to
reuse.
Example: The Water Cycle
Evaporation -> Condensation ->
Precipitation-> Collection. This cycle links
all aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Conclusion and Conservation
Conclusion: Ecosystems are delicate and
interconnected systems that provide essential
'ecosystem services' like clean air, water, and
fertile soil.
Conservation is Key: We must adopt
sustainable practices (like reducing plastic use,
recycling, and planting trees) to protect
biodiversity and maintain the health of these
vital natural systems for future generations.