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    ECOSYSTEM

    Uploaded by

    Ayush Malvi

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    ECOSYSTEM

    Uploaded by

    Ayush Malvi
    4 views2 pages

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    4 views2 pages

    ECOSYSTEM

    Uploaded by

    Ayush Malvi

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    ECOSYSTEM

    An ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of ecology where the living organisms interact with each other
    and the surrounding environment.

    OR

    In other words, an ecosystem is a chain of interactions between organisms and their environment. The term
    “Ecosystem” was first coined by A.G.Tansley, in 1955.

    Structure of the Ecosystem


    The structure of an ecosystem is characterized by the organization of both biotic and abiotic components. The
    structure of an ecosystem can be split into two main components, namely:

    • Biotic Components
    • Abiotic Components

    The biotic and abiotic components are interrelated in an ecosystem. It is an open system where the energy and
    components can flow throughout the boundaries.

    1. Biotic Components
    Biotic components refer to all living components in an ecosystem.
    Producers :- Producers include all autotrophs such as plants. They are called autotrophs as they can produce
    food through the process of photosynthesis.

    Consumers :- Consumers are organisms that depend on other organisms for food. Consumers are further
    classified into primary consumers, secondary consumers and tertiary consumers.

    • Primary consumers :- They are always herbivores as they rely on producers for food.

    • Secondary consumers :- They depend on primary consumers for energy. They can either be carnivores
    or omnivores.

    • Tertiary consumers :- They are organisms that depend on secondary consumers for food. Tertiary
    consumers can also be carnivores or omnivores.

    • Quaternary consumers :- They are present in some food chains. These organisms prey on tertiary
    consumers for energy. Furthermore, they are usually at the top of a food chain as they have no natural
    predators.

    Decomposers :- Decomposer include saprophytes such as fungi and bacteria. They directly thrive on the dead
    and decaying organic matter. Decomposers are essential for the ecosystem as they help in recycling nutrients to
    be reused by plants.

    2. Abiotic Components
    Abiotic components are the non-living component of an ecosystem. It includes air, water, soil, minerals, sunlight,
    temperature, nutrients, wind, altitude, turbidity, etc.

    Functions of Ecosystem
    The functions of the ecosystem are as follows:

    1. It regulates the essential ecological processes, supports life systems and renders stability.

    2. It is also responsible for the cycling of nutrients between biotic and abiotic components.

    3. It maintains a balance among the various trophic levels in the ecosystem.

    4. It cycles the minerals through the biosphere.

    5. The abiotic components help in the synthesis of organic components that involve the exchange of energy.

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