Ecosystem - SS1 Biology Lesson Note
An ecosystem is a dynamic and interconnected system consisting of living organisms and their physical environment, functioning as a unit. It encompasses a community of organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, along with their surrounding non-living components such as air, water, soil, and climate. Ecosystems are characterized by the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients through different trophic levels, as well as the interactions and dependencies between organisms and their environment. They can vary in size and complexity, ranging from small-scale habitats to vast landscapes.
Figure 78 image from reserachgate.net
The components of an ecosystem can be broadly categorized into two main groups: biotic components and abiotic components. Here are the key components of an ecosystem:
1. Biotic Components: Biotic components refer to the living organisms within an ecosystem. They include:
§ Producers/Autotrophs: Producers, such as plants and algae, can synthesize their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They convert sunlight or inorganic compounds into organic matter, serving as the primary source of energy for the ecosystem.
§ Consumers/Heterotrophs: Consumers obtain their energy by consuming other organisms. They include herbivores (plant-eating organisms), carnivores (meat-eating organisms), omnivores (organisms that consume both plants and animals), and decomposers (organisms that break down dead organic matter).
§ Decomposers: Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, play a vital role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the environment.
2. Abiotic Components: Abiotic components refer to the non-living, physical factors within an ecosystem. They include:
§ Climate: Climate encompasses long-term weather patterns, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind patterns, and sunlight intensity, which influence the overall conditions in an ecosystem.
§ Soil: Soil composition, including its mineral content, organic matter, and texture, affects the growth and distribution of plants and provides a habitat for a variety of organisms.
§ Water: Availability and quality of water are critical factors in determining the types of organisms present in an ecosystem. Aquatic ecosystems also include factors like pH, dissolved oxygen levels, and water currents.
§ Air and Atmosphere: The composition of the air and the atmospheric conditions, including gases (such as oxygen, carbon dioxide), air pressure, and the presence of pollutants, influence the survival and behavior of organisms.
§ Physical Features: Physical features, such as topography, geological structures, and water bodies (lakes, rivers, oceans), shape the habitat and provide diverse niches for organisms.