THE
ECOSYSTEM
What is an
ECOSYSTEM?
The ecosystem is the structural and
functional unit of ecology where the
living organisms interact with each other
and the surrounding environment.
An ecosystem is a chain of interactions
between organisms and their
environment.
ECOSYSTEM
ABIOTIC BIOTIC
PRODUCERS CONSUMERS DECOMPOSERS
PRIMARY SECONDARY TERTIARY
ABIOTIC
COMPONENTS
Physical
factors
The physical factors in an ecosystem are the
ones that can sustain or limit the growth of
organisms.
INORGANIC
S U B S TA N C E S
The inorganic substances in an ecosystem
consist of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen,
phosphorous, sulfur, water, rock, soil and other
minerals.
Organic
Compounds
The organic compounds are the building blocks
of living systems. They serve as the link
between the biotic and abiotic components.
BIOTIC
COMPONENTS
pRODUCERS
The producers are the living things that can
make their own food.
Photoaut Chemoaut
These are producers that use solar These producers obtain energy
energy otrophs
in the process of through otrophs
chemosynthesis, a process
photosynthesis. carried out through the oxidation of
electron donors in the environment.
CONSUMERS
The consumers are heterotrophic organisms
that obtain food from feeding on other
organisms. They can be classified into three
groups, according to their food preferences.
Herbivor Carnivores
Those that feed directly on plants Those that feed on the meat of
(e.g. cow, deer,es
rabbit) other animals (e.g. lion, tiger, wolf)
Omnivor
Those that feed on both plants and
es
animals (e.g. human, pig, rat)
Decomposers
The decomposers are organisms that feed on
dead and decaying matter. Mopst bacteria and
fungi are considered as decomposers; they
secrete enzymes outside their bodies to the
decaying matter in order to feed on them.
Gr a de 7
Ecological
Re l a t i o n s h i p s
Let’s Define!
Competition Intraspecific
Competition is a type of interaction
that occurs when a number of
organisms compete for a limited Interspecific
resource, such as food, space and
mates. This may result in the
reduction or extinction of either one
of the species.
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Predation
Predation is a type of interaction
wherein one organism (predator)
feeds on another organism (prey).
Examples of predation are a lion
hunting a deer and a praying mantis Praying mantis and a cricket
feeding on a cricket.
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Parasitism
Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which
one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of
another organism (the host). The parasite derives
nutrients, shelter, or other resources from the host,
causing harm to the host in the process.
The host experiences harm, which can range from mild Tapeworms live in human
discomfort to severe health issues or even death. intestines, absorbing nutrients.
This can cause malnutrition and
digestive issues in humans.
Parasitism
Ticks on Cats Rafflesia on
Vines/Branches
Ticks attach to cats and feed on their Rafflesia plants lack chlorophyll and cannot
blood, obtaining necessary nourishment. photosynthesize, deriving nutrients and
This can cause cats to suffer from blood water from their host vines. This causes
loss, skin irritation, and diseases. the host vine to suffer.
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Mutualism
Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which
both participating species benefit from their interaction.
This mutual benefit enhances the survival, growth, or
reproduction of both organisms involved.
Mutualistic interactions can be long-term, persisting for
the lifespan of the organisms, or short-term, occurring
Lichens are a mutualistic
only during specific periods. relationship between fungi and
algae or cyanobacteria
Mutualism
Bees and Flowers Clownfish and Sea
Anemones
Bees collect nectar from flowers to Clownfish live among the stinging
make food (honey). In the process, tentacles of sea anemones, while
they pick up pollen and transfer it to anemones gain nutrients from the
other flowers, facilitating pollination. waste products of clownfish.
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Commensalism
Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where
one organism benefits from the interaction, while the
other organism is neither helped nor harmed. This
relationship allows the benefiting species to gain an
advantage without affecting the host species.
The benefiting organism may gain food, shelter, Remoras attach to sharks, gaining
transportation, or other advantages. transportation, protection, and
food scraps without significantly
impacting the sharks' well-being.
Commensalism
Barnacles on Whales Epiphytic Plants on Trees
Barnacles attach to whales, gaining Epiphytic plants like orchids grow on
mobility to access plankton-rich trees, gaining better access to
waters, while the whales experience sunlight, air, and rainwater without
no significant harm or benefit. harming the trees.
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Amensalism
In amensalism, one species harms
another, but itself is not affected. An
example of this is the black walnut,
which produces a toxin that prevents
the growth of other plants around it. The black walnut