Ecosystem: Concept, Structure and Functions
Ecosystem: Concept, Structure and Functions
What is an Ecosystem?
An ecosystem is the basic structural and functional unit of ecology in which living organisms interact
with one another and also with the non-living surroundings. It forms a natural system where plants,
animals, microorganisms and environmental factors work together.
The word “ecosystem” was introduced by the English botanist A.G. Tansley in 1935.
Living organisms cannot survive separately from their environment because they depend on air, water,
sunlight, soil and other non-living factors for energy and survival. The interaction between living and
non-living components creates a balanced and self-sustaining system called an ecosystem.
Types of Ecosystems
1. Terrestrial Ecosystem
2. Aquatic Ecosystem
Terrestrial Ecosystem
These ecosystems are found on land. Different types occur in different climatic regions.
Types of Terrestrial Ecosystems
• Forest Ecosystem
• Grassland Ecosystem
• Desert Ecosystem
• Tundra Ecosystem
Forest Ecosystem
A forest ecosystem contains many kinds of plants, animals and microorganisms living together with
environmental factors. Forests help in controlling Earth’s temperature and store a large amount of
carbon dioxide.
Grassland Ecosystem
Grasslands are areas mainly covered with grasses and small herbs. Examples include savanna
grasslands and temperate grasslands.
Desert Ecosystem
Deserts receive very little rainfall. Days are usually extremely hot while nights become cold.
Tundra Ecosystem
Tundra regions are cold and mostly covered with snow. Trees are absent because of low temperature
and limited rainfall. Arctic regions and mountain tops are examples.
Aquatic Ecosystem
Aquatic ecosystems are water-based ecosystems.
Types of Aquatic Ecosystems
1. Freshwater Ecosystem
2. Marine Ecosystem
Freshwater Ecosystem
It includes ponds, rivers, lakes, streams and wetlands. These water bodies contain very little or no salt.
Marine Ecosystem
Marine ecosystems include seas and oceans. These contain high salt concentration and support great
biodiversity.
Structure of an Ecosystem
Every ecosystem has two major components:
1. Abiotic Components
2. Biotic Components
Abiotic Components
Abiotic components are the non-living parts of the environment that influence living organisms.
Climatic Factors
Temperature, rainfall, wind, light and humidity.
Edaphic Factors
Soil, minerals, pH and topography.
Importance of Abiotic Factors
Soil: Supplies nutrients and provides support for plant growth.
Atmosphere: Provides oxygen for respiration and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
Sunlight: Main source of energy for photosynthesis.
Water: Essential for nutrient transport and cellular functions.
Biotic Components
Biotic components include all living organisms such as plants, animals, bacteria and fungi.
Types of Biotic Components
1. Producers
2. Consumers
3. Decomposers
Producers
Green plants prepare food through photosynthesis and are called autotrophs.
Consumers
Consumers depend on plants and other organisms for food and are known as heterotrophs.
Types of Consumers
• Primary Consumers – Herbivores like deer and rabbit.
• Secondary Consumers – Carnivores like snakes and foxes.
• Tertiary Consumers – Large carnivores like wolves.
• Quaternary Consumers – Top predators like lions and tigers.
Decomposers
Bacteria and fungi break down dead organisms into simple substances and recycle nutrients back into
the ecosystem.
Functions of Ecosystem
• Maintains ecological balance.
• Supports life processes.
• Cycles nutrients and minerals.
• Maintains balance among trophic levels.
• Helps in energy transfer.
Food Chain
A food chain shows the transfer of energy from one organism to another.
Example:
Grasshopper → Mouse → Snake → Eagle
Food Web
A food web is a network of interconnected food chains within an ecosystem.
Ecological Pyramid
It represents the number, biomass or energy at different trophic levels.
Productivity in Ecosystem
Productivity is the rate at which plants convert solar energy into organic matter.
Primary Productivity
Energy stored by producers through photosynthesis.
Secondary Productivity
Energy stored at consumer levels.
Positive Interactions
• Commensalism
• Proto-cooperation
• Mutualism
Negative Interactions
• Competition
• Predation
• Parasitism
• Antibiosis
Energy Flow in Ecosystem
The Sun is the ultimate source of energy. Energy flows in one direction through ecosystems.
Ecological Succession
Succession is the gradual replacement of one community by another over time.
Types of Succession
• Primary Succession
• Secondary Succession
• Autogenic Succession
• Allogenic Succession
• Autotrophic Succession
• Heterotrophic Succession
General Steps of Succession
1. Nudation
2. Invasion
3. Aggregation
4. Competition
5. Stabilization
Short Questions and Answers
1. What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a system formed by the interaction of living organisms with their physical environment.
2. Which is the largest ecosystem?
The aquatic ecosystem is the largest ecosystem on Earth.
3. What are abiotic factors?
Non-living components like air, water, sunlight, soil and temperature are called abiotic factors.
4. What is the main function of an ecosystem?
Its main function is to maintain balance and ensure energy flow and nutrient cycling.
5. What makes an ecosystem healthy?
A healthy ecosystem has balanced interactions among producers, consumers and decomposers.