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Ecosystem

An ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of ecology where living organisms interact with each other and their environment, defined as a community of living organisms and non-living elements. It consists of biotic components, such as producers, consumers, and decomposers, and abiotic components like water, air, and sunlight. Ecosystems function through energy flow and nutrient cycling, maintaining soil fertility and supporting life.

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5 views12 pages

Ecosystem

An ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of ecology where living organisms interact with each other and their environment, defined as a community of living organisms and non-living elements. It consists of biotic components, such as producers, consumers, and decomposers, and abiotic components like water, air, and sunlight. Ecosystems function through energy flow and nutrient cycling, maintaining soil fertility and supporting life.

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littlegeniushacker
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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General Objective :

Specific Objectives :
INTRODUCTION

 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. The term
"Ecosystem" was first coined by [Link], an
English botanist, in 1935.
DEFINITION

 “An ecosystem is defined as a community of


living organisms (plants, animals, microbes)
interacting with the non-living environment
(air, water, soil, sunlight)”.

 Ecosystem = Living things + Non-living


environment + Interaction
STRUCTURE OF ECOSYSTEM

 The structure of an ecosystem can be divided into two


main components :-

• Biotic Components
• Abiotic Components
A. Biotic (Living) Components

1. Producers (Autotrophs)
•Make their own food by photosynthesis
Example: Green plants, algae
2. Consumers (Heterotrophs)
•Depend on others for food.
Types:
Primary consumers → Herbivores (cow, deer)
Secondary consumers → Carnivores & Omnivores
Tertiary consumers → Top predators (lion)
3. Quaternary Consumers – defined as organism that
target on tertiary consumers for energy. They are found at
the top of a food chain hence, they are called as apex
predators. Ex- lions.

4. Decomposers – are defined as organisms that carry out


the process of decay or breakdown of the dead organisms.
•Major Examples of decomposers are fungi and bacteria.
B. Abiotic (Non-Living) Components

 Water
 Air
 Soil
 Sunlight
 Temperature
🌍 Functions of Ecosystem

1. Energy Flow
Sun → Plants → Animals → Decomposers

•Sun is the main source of energy


•Plants (producers) make food
•Animals (consumers) eat plants/animals
>Energy flows in one direction
👉 Key point: Energy is lost as heat at each level
2. Nutrient Cycling
Nutrients are reused again and again
•Plants take nutrients from soil
•Animals eat plants
•Decomposers break dead matter
•Nutrients return to soil✅
👉 Maintains soil fertility

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