Ecosystem:
An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature in which living organisms (biotic components) interact
with the non-living environment (abiotic components) through energy flow and nutrient cycling.
Grass land Ecosystem:
A grassland ecosystem is a terrestrial ecosystem dominated by grasses rather than large shrubs or
trees. It occurs in regions with moderate rainfall (25–75 cm/year) and supports a large population of
grazing animals.
Structure of Grassland Ecosystem:
The structure of the grassland ecosystem consists of two main components:
Abiotic and Biotic.
1. Abiotic Components:
These are the non-living physical and chemical factors that define the environment:
Nutrients: Essential elements like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, and Sulphur stored in
soil, litter, and biomass.
Climate & Physical Factors: Sunlight (primary energy source), moderate rainfall (seasonal), and
temperature fluctuations (hot summers, cold winters).
Soil: Generally deep, fertile, and rich in humus, with high underground root biomass.
2. Biotic Components
These are the living organisms, classified by their role in energy flow:
Producers (Autotrophs): Predominantly grasses (e.g., Cynodon, Desmodium), herbs, and shrubs.
They produce food via photosynthesis.
Consumers (Heterotrophs):
o Primary Consumers (Herbivores): Animals feeding directly on plants, such as grasshoppers, rodents,
rabbits, deer, zebras, and cattle.
o Secondary Consumers (Primary Carnivores): Animals that feed on herbivores, such as frogs, lizards,
snakes, birds, and jackals.
o Tertiary/Top Consumers (Apex Predators): Predators that eat secondary consumers, such as hawks,
owls, vultures, lions, and cheetahs.
Decomposers & Detritivores: Organisms that break down dead organic matter, including bacteria,
fungi, and earthworms, returning nutrients to the soil.
Function of the Grassland Ecosystem:
Food Chain:
A food chain is a simple, linear showing how energy passes from one organism to another when
one organism eats another.
Food web:
A food web is a network of interconnected food chains that shows multiple feeding relationships
within an ecosystem.
Ecosystem pyramid:
Ecosystem pyramids (or ecological pyramids) are graphical representations of trophic levels.
Pyramid of Numbers:
Shows the number of organisms at each trophic level and is usually upright
Pyramid of Biomass:
Shows the total living mass at each trophic level and is
upright on land but often inverted in aquatic ecosystems.
Pyramid of Energy:
Shows the energy flow at each trophic level and is always
upright because most energy is lost as heat at every
transfer.
Nutrient Cycle:
A nutrient cycle is defined as the cyclic pathway by which
nutrients pass-through, in order to be recycled and reutilised.
Example: Carbon cycle
What is Biodiversity Conservation?
Biodiversity conservation is the protection and management of biodiversity to obtain
resources for sustainable development.
Biodiversity conservation has three main objectives:
To preserve the diversity of species.
Sustainable utilization of species and ecosystem.
To maintain life-supporting systems and essential ecological processes.
Biodiversity and its Conservation Methods
Biodiversity refers to the variability of life on earth. It can be conserved in the
following ways:
In-situ Conservation
Ex-situ Conservation
In-situ Conservation
In-situ conservation of biodiversity is the conservation of species within their natural
habitat. In this method, the natural ecosystem is maintained and protected.
Certain protected areas where in-situ conservation takes place include national
parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.
National Parks
These are small reserves maintained by the government. Its boundaries are well set
apart and human activities such as grazing, forestry, habitat and cultivation are
prohibited. For eg., Kanha National Park, and Bandipur National Park.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
These are the regions where only wild animals are found. Human activities such as
timber harvesting, cultivation, collection of woods and other forest products are
allowed here as long as they do not interfere with the conservation project. Also,
tourists visit these places for recreation.
Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere reserves are multi-purpose protected areas where the wildlife, traditional
lifestyle of the inhabitants and domesticated plants and animals are protected.
Tourist and research activities are permitted here.
Advantages of in-situ conservation:
1. It is a cost-effective and convenient method of conserving biodiversity.
2. A large number of living organisms can be conserved simultaneously.
3. Since the organisms are in a natural ecosystem, they can evolve better and
can easily adjust to different environmental conditions.
Ex-situ Conservation
Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity involves the breeding and maintenance of
endangered species in artificial ecosystems such as zoos, nurseries, botanical
gardens, gene banks, etc. There is less competition for food, water and space
among the organisms.
Zoological Parks (Zoos)
For breeding and preserving threatened animal species.
Botanical Gardens
For conserving rare or endangered plant species.
Gene Banks and Seed Banks
Facilities that store genetic materials for long-term use.
Captive Breeding Centres and Nurseries
For rearing and multiplying important organisms before releasing them back into
the wild
Advantages of Ex-situ conservation:
1. The animals are provided with a longer time and breeding activity.
2. The species bred in captivity can be reintroduced in the wild.
3. Genetic techniques can be used for the preservation of endangered species.