Module-3: Ecology, Ecosystem and Biodiversity – Detailed
Short Notes
Ecology
Ecology is the branch of biology that studies the interaction between living organisms and their environment including
air, water, soil, sunlight and climate.
Ecosystem
An ecosystem is a system where biotic components (plants, animals, microorganisms) interact with abiotic
components (air, water, soil and temperature). Examples include forest, grassland, desert and aquatic ecosystems.
Forest Ecosystem
A forest ecosystem is dominated by trees and rich biodiversity. Producers include trees and grasses, consumers
include herbivores and carnivores, while decomposers recycle nutrients. Forests regulate climate, conserve soil and
maintain the water cycle.
Forest Products and Services
Forests provide timber, fuelwood, fruits, medicines, bamboo and fibers. They also provide ecological services such as
oxygen production, carbon dioxide absorption, soil conservation and groundwater maintenance.
Threats to Forest Ecosystem
Deforestation, illegal logging, forest fires, overgrazing, invasive species and climate change are major threats to forest
ecosystems and biodiversity.
Conservation of Forests
Forests can be conserved through afforestation, reforestation, sustainable forest management, protected areas and
public awareness.
Grassland Ecosystem
Grasslands are dominated by grasses with very few trees. They support herbivores like deer and bison and
carnivores like lions and wolves. Types include Himalayan, Terai, Semiarid and Shola grasslands.
Threats to Grasslands
Overgrazing, agriculture, urbanization, wildfires and climate change degrade grassland ecosystems and reduce
biodiversity.
Desert Ecosystem
Desert ecosystems receive less than 25 cm rainfall annually. Plants like cactus and shrubs store water while animals
like camels and reptiles are adapted to dry conditions.
Aquatic Ecosystem
Aquatic ecosystems include freshwater ecosystems like rivers and lakes and marine ecosystems like oceans and
coral reefs. They support fish, algae, plankton and aquatic plants.
Threats to Aquatic Ecosystems
Pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, oil spills, invasive species and climate change are major threats to aquatic
ecosystems.
Components of Ecosystem
The structure of ecosystem includes producers, consumers, decomposers and abiotic factors such as air, water,
sunlight, soil and temperature.
Producers
Producers or autotrophs prepare food using photosynthesis. Green plants and algae are important producers in
ecosystems.
Consumers
Consumers or heterotrophs depend on producers or other organisms for food. They include herbivores, carnivores
and omnivores.
Decomposers
Decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients back into the
environment.
Water Cycle
The water cycle includes evaporation, condensation, precipitation and collection of water. It helps distribute freshwater
on Earth.
Carbon Cycle
The carbon cycle is the movement of carbon between atmosphere, organisms, oceans and Earth. Photosynthesis and
respiration play important roles in this cycle.
Oxygen Cycle
Oxygen released during photosynthesis is used in respiration, combustion and decomposition. It maintains
atmospheric oxygen balance.
Nitrogen Cycle
The nitrogen cycle includes nitrogen fixation, nitrification, ammonification and denitrification. Nitrogen is essential for
proteins and DNA.
Energy Flow
Energy enters ecosystems through sunlight and flows from producers to consumers and decomposers. Energy
decreases at each trophic level.
Food Chain
A food chain shows transfer of energy from producers to herbivores and carnivores. Example: Grass → Deer → Lion.
Food Web
A food web is a network of interconnected food chains showing complex feeding relationships in ecosystems.
Ecological Pyramids
Ecological pyramids represent trophic levels. Types include pyramid of numbers, pyramid of biomass and pyramid of
energy.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of genes, species and ecosystems present on Earth. It maintains ecological balance
and supports life.
Types of Biodiversity
Genetic diversity refers to variation within species, species diversity refers to variety of species, and ecosystem
diversity refers to variety of ecosystems.
Values of Biodiversity
Biodiversity provides direct values like food, medicine, timber and fuel, and indirect values like ecological balance,
aesthetic, ethical and cultural importance.
Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat loss, poaching, pollution, overexploitation and human-wildlife conflict are major threats to biodiversity.
Conservation of Biodiversity
Biodiversity conservation includes in-situ conservation (national parks, sanctuaries) and ex-situ conservation (zoos,
botanical gardens and seed banks).
In-vitro Conservation
In-vitro conservation preserves plant tissues and cells in laboratories using tissue culture techniques for long-term
conservation.
Project Tiger
Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to conserve tigers and their habitats in India. It became an important biodiversity
conservation program.
Crocodile Conservation Programme
Launched in 1975, this program aimed to protect crocodiles through captive breeding and habitat conservation.
Beej Bachao Andolan
Beej Bachao Andolan is a movement started in the Himalayan region to conserve traditional seed varieties and
promote sustainable agriculture.