ECOSYSTEM
What is ecosystem?
is a geographic area where living and nonliving things interact. Ecosystems include
communities of plants, animals, and other organisms, as well as the weather and
landscape.
Two components of the ecosystem:
- ABIOTIC COMPONENTS
These are the non-living components of an ecosystem.
These are the non-living components of an ecosystem Water, air, sunlight, soil
Abiotic factors influence the survival and growth of biotic components
- BIOTIC COMPONENTS
These are the living components of an ecosystem.
They include plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and microorganisms
Biotic factors interact with each other through food chains, predator-prey
relationships, and symbiotic associations Human, animals
TYPES OF ECOSYSTEM
- Terrestrial Ecosystems
a land-based community of interacting organisms and their environment,
encompassing diverse habitats like forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundras
- Aquatic Ecosystems
a community of living organisms that exist within a body of water, such as a lake,
river, ocean, or wetland.
DIFFERENT KIND OF TERRISTERAL ECOSYSTEM:
- Forests
Dominated by trees, with high biodiversity and complex food webs.
- Grasslands
Dominated by grasses, with moderate rainfall and a wide range of grazing
animals.
- Deserts
Arid environments with sparse vegetation, adapted to survive extreme heat and
dryness.
- Tundra
Cold, treeless regions with permafrost, home to specialized plants and animals.
DIFFERENT KIND OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM
- Freshwater
Rivers, lakes, and ponds, home to a variety of fish, amphibians, and aquatic
plants.
- Marine
Oceans, seas, and coral reefs, with a vast array of marine life, from microscopic
plankton to giant whales.
- Estuaries
Transition zones where freshwater meets saltwater, supporting a rich mix of
species.
ECOLOGICAL BALANCE
- refers to the stable and sustainable interaction between living organisms (biotic
factors) and their environment (abiotic factors) in an ecosystem. When all elements of
an ecosystem function harmoniously, it ensures the survival of species and the proper
functioning of natural processes.
FOOD CHAIN AND FOOD WEB
Feature Food Chain Food Web
A linear sequence of A network of inter -
Definition
energy transfer. connected food chain
Complex and shows
Complexity Simple and follows a multiple feeding
single pathway. relationships.
Less realistic, as
organisms usually eat More accurate, showing
Realism
more than one type of how different species
food. interact.
Less stable; if one species More stable; multiple food
Stability is removed, the chain can sources reduce dependence
collapse. on one species.
Threats to Ecosystems: Human Impact
Habitat Destruction
Pollution
Climate Change
Invasive Species
Overexploitation
Ecosystem Conservation
- Protected Areas
National parks, reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries provide refuge for endangered
species and protect biodiversity.
- Sustainable Practices
Reducing pollution, promoting sustainable agriculture, and conserving water
resources help minimize our impact on ecosystems.
- Restoration Efforts
Reforestation, wetland restoration, and habitat reconstruction help restore
degraded ecosystems.
QUESTION AND ANSWER :
1. What are the two main components of an ecosystem?
Answer: Abiotic components and biotic components.
2. What are abiotic components?
Answer: Abiotic components are the non-living parts of an ecosystem, such as water,
air, sunlight, and soil.
3. The living organisms in an ecosystem, including plants, animals, fungi, bacteria,
and microorganisms.
Answer: Boitic Components
4. Give at-least 3 examples of terrestrial ecosystems?
Answer: Forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundra.
5. Give at-least 2 examples of aquatic ecosystems?
Answer: Freshwater, marine, and estuaries.
6. What is a food web?
Answer: A food web is a network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem.
7. What are some threats to ecosystems?
Answer: Habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and
overexploitation.
8. What are sustainable practices?
Answer: Sustainable practices include reducing pollution, conserving water, and
promoting sustainable agriculture.
9. Dominated by trees, with high biodiversity and complex food webs.
Answer: Forest
10. Herbivore that feed on producer.
Answer: Primary Consumer