ECOSYSTEM: NATURE’S WEB – Comprehensive Summary
Definition & Structure
An ecosystem is a unit of the biosphere where biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living)
components interact to form a self-regulating, stable system. Examples include ponds, lakes,
rivers, trees, dams, and graveyards. Larger ecosystems are called biomes (e.g., tropical
rainforest, tundra). The largest ecosystem of all is the biosphere.
Functioning of the Ecosystem
Living organisms in an ecosystem are connected through feeding relationships, which transfer
energy and nutrients. The key relationships are food chains and food webs.
Food Chains
A food chain is a linear sequence showing who eats whom. Levels include producers (plants),
primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores), tertiary consumers
(higher carnivores), and decomposers (bacteria, fungi, arthropods). Only 4–5 trophic levels
exist due to energy losses between levels.
Food Webs
Food webs show interconnected food chains. A disturbance in one species affects the entire
web, but natural ecosystems tend to maintain balance.
Energy Flow in Ecosystems
The sun provides energy for all life. Green plants use solar energy in photosynthesis (6CO2 +
6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2). Only 1% of sunlight is captured by plants; at each trophic level,
about 10% of energy is transferred upward while 90% is lost as heat.
Natural Balance in Ecosystems
The carrying capacity is the maximum number of organisms an ecosystem can support. Biotic
balance is maintained through photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition, while abiotic
balance involves nutrient cycles and sunlight energy.
Ecological Pyramids
Pyramids illustrate ecosystem structure: - Pyramid of Numbers: shows the number of
organisms at each level (may invert if producers are large, like trees). - Pyramid of Biomass:
based on total dry weight; often upright, but inverted in aquatic systems. - Energy Pyramid:
always upright; the best representation of energy flow.
Abiotic Balance & Nutrient Cycles
Abiotic elements like oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and minerals cycle through the
biosphere via biological processes. Decomposers recycle nutrients to maintain productivity.
The Carbon Cycle
Carbon circulates through the atmosphere, oceans, rocks, and organisms via photosynthesis,
respiration, decomposition, and combustion. Human activities (fossil fuel burning,
deforestation) increase CO2 and disrupt the cycle, risking climate imbalance.
Human Impact on Ecosystems
Human actions alter carrying capacity and disrupt balance through: - Deforestation: reduces
oxygen production and rainfall. - Pollution: acid rain, eutrophication, ozone depletion. -
Overhunting: reduces biodiversity. - Industrial waste: contaminates ecosystems. Sustainable
development is required to ensure future ecological balance.
Conclusion
Ecosystem stability depends on the harmony between living and non-living components.
Human responsibility lies in conserving resources and promoting sustainable development.
Key Concepts Summary
- Ecosystem = interaction of biotic & abiotic factors.
- Primary energy source = sunlight.
- 10% Rule of energy transfer limits trophic levels.
- Ecological pyramids: numbers, biomass, and energy.
- Key cycles: carbon, nitrogen, water, phosphorus.
- Human impact: pollution, deforestation, eutrophication.
- Solution: environmental conservation & sustainable use.
Prepared by: ChatGPT (GPT■5)