CONCEPT OF
ECOSYSTEM AND ITS
TROPHIC STRUCTURE
ECOSYSTEM
The term ecosystem was first coined by A.G Tansley
in 1935. The ecosystem word comes from two
different words “Eco” means the environment and
the other hand “system” is the interaction.
A functional unit of environment where a group of
organisms interact among themselves and with
environment is known as ecosystem.
Thus an ecosystem is a community of different
species interacting with one another and with their
non living environment by exchanging energy and
matter.
STRUCTURE OF ECOSYSTEM
The term structure refers to the various
components of an ecosystem. So the structure
of an ecosystem explains the relationship
between the abiotic (non –living) and the
biotic (living) components.
An ecosystem has two major components:
•Biotic (living) components
•Abiotic (non living) components
1. Biotic components
The living organisms (or) living members in an ecosystem
collectively form its community called biotic components (or)
biotic community.
Examples include
•Plants (producers)
•Animals (consumers)
•Microorganisms (decomposers)
v Classification of biotic components
The members of biotic components of an ecosystem are grouped
in to three based on how they get food and these form the
trophic structure of the ecosystem.
•Producer (plants)
•Consumer (Animals)
•Decomposers (Micro-organisms)
[Link] (Autotrophs)
• Producers are the main or the primary producing organisms
in an ecosystem. The producer’s role is to manufacture food
using different processes such as photosynthesis.
• Producers are the main energy source and play the role to
produce energy at the primary level.
• Procedures synthesize their food themselves through
photosynthesis hence also called as autotrophs. These
include all green plants, trees and photosynthetic bacteria.
2. Consumers (heterotrophs)
• Consumers on the other hand come on the second level in the
ecosystem. Consumers are basically the organisms that depend on
producers for their energy. They are not capable of producing their
own food and energy hence they are also called as heterotrophs.
• In order to get an accurate supply of energy sources consumers are
always looking up for the producers and are completely dependent
on them. Example: Insects, rabbit, goat, deer, cow, etc.,
v Classification of consumers
• Consumers are further classified as:
• Primary consumers
• Secondary consumers
• Tertiary consumers
I. Primary consumers (Herbivores) (Plant eaters)
Primary consumers are also called herbivores, they directly depend on
the plants for their food. So they are called plant eaters. Examples :
Insects, rat, goat, deer, cow, horse, etc.,
II. Secondary consumers (primary carnivores) (meat eater)
Secondary consumers are primary carnivores, they feed on primary
consumers. They directly depend on the herbivores for their food.
Example Frog, cat, snakes, foxes, etc.,
III. Tertiary consumers (Secondary carnivores) (Meat-eaters)
Tertiary consumers are secondary carnivores, they feed on secondary
consumers. They depend on the primary carnivores for their food.
Examples Tigers, lions, etc.,
3. Decomposers
Decomposers are the microorganisms in the ecosystem
t h a t a t t a c k t h e d e a d b o d i e s o f p ro d u c e r s a n d
c o n s u m e r s a n d d e c o m p o s e t h e m i n to s i m p l e r
compounds.
During the decomposition inorganic nutrients are
released. The inorganic nutrients together with other
organic substances are then utilized by the procedures
for the synthesis of their own food.
Examples Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.
2. Abiotic (non living) components
The non-living components (physical and chemical) of ecosystem
collectively form a community called abiotic components (or) abiotic
community.
Examples Climate, soil, water, air, energy, nutrients, etc.,
1. Physical components
They include the energy , climate, raw materials and living space that the
biological community needs. They are useful for the growth and
maintenance of its member. Examples Air, water, soil, sunlight, etc.,
2. Chemical Components
They are the sources of essential nutrients in the ecosystem. Examples:
• Organic substances : Protein, lipids, carbohydrates, etc.,
• Inorganic substances: All micro (Al, Co, Zu, Cu) and macro elements
(C,H, O, P, N, P, K) and few other elements.
TYPES OF ECOSYSTEM
The ecosystems are divided into types:
1. Natural ecosystem
2. Man-made ecosystem
1. Natural ecosystem
o Natural ecosystems operate themselves under natural conditions. Based on
habitat types, it can be further classified into three types.
1. Terrestrial ecosystem: This ecosystem is related to land. Example Grassland
ecosystem, forest ecosystem, desert ecosystem, etc.,
2. Aquatic ecosystem: This ecosystem is related to water. It is further sub classified
into two types based on salt content.
§ Fresh water ecosystem (a)Running water ecosystems. Examples: Rivers, Streams
(b) Standing water ecosystems. Examples: Pond, lake
§ Marine ecosystem Example : Seas and sea
2. Man – made (or) Artificial ecosystem
• Artificial ecosystem is one that is operated
(or) maintained by man himself. These are
created by the addition of chemical
fertilizers by man that supports the life in
these ecosystems.
• Example: Croplands, gardens, orchids,
aquarium etc.
Functions of Ecosystems
Ecosystems perform several essential functions that are crucial for
maintaining ecological balance and supporting life on Earth. Some of the
primary functions of ecosystems include:
•Regulation and stability: Ecosystems regulate ecological processes, which
in turn maintain stability within the environment. These processes include
nutrient cycling, water purification, and carbon sequestration.
•Nutrient cycling: Ecosystems facilitate the cycling of nutrients between
biotic and abiotic components. Decomposers break down dead organic matter,
releasing essential nutrients back into the soil, which is then taken up by
plants to sustain the food web.
•Energy flow: Ecosystems are responsible for the flow of energy through
various trophic levels. This energy flow starts with producers capturing solar
energy and transferring it to consumers through the food chain.
•Synthesis of organic components: Abiotic components of the ecosystem,
such as sunlight, play a crucial role in the synthesis of organic components
through photosynthesis, supporting all life forms in the ecosystem.