what is an ecosystem

In the word “ecosystem”, “eco” means environment, and

“system,” refers to connected processes or elements.
Ecosystems are made up of both biotic (or alive) and abiotic
(or nonliving) components. It is a biological community where
living and non-living components of the planet interact with
each other.
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 STRUCTURE OF ECOSYSTEM
BIOTIC FACTORS ABIOTIC FACTORS

PRODUCER CLIMATE
CONSUMER EDAPHIC
DECOMPOSER TOPOGRAPHIC
Plants, animals, microorganisms, aquatic plants, and all other
living creatures are the biotic components of the ecosystem.

Producers: All autotrophs like plants, phytoplankton, etc. that can

produce their food using sources like sun, water, carbon dioxide, or any
other chemical elements belong to this category.

Consumers: All heterotrophs, primarily animals, that are dependent on

the producers or other organisms are called consumers. These are
primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary consumer.
Decomposers: All microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi that
depend on decaying and deadwww.reallygreatsite.com
matter for food fall under this category. It
contributes to environmental cleanup and ecosystem nutrient recycling.
It involves all the non-living things present in the
environment. Some of the abiotic components are
sun, soil, water, minerals, climate, rocks,
temperature, and humidity. These components’
functioning together enables the ecosystem’s energy
and nutrition cycles www.reallygreatsite.com
FUNCTION OF
ECOSYSTEM
1. It regulates different life processes.
2. The various components of an
ecosystem are designed in a manner
to support the life systems.
3. It regulates various types of nutrient
cycles.
4. It maintains the balance of energy flow
between various levels of the
ecosystem.
5. It regulates the cycling of nutrients
between abiotic and biotic factors.
TYPES OF ECOSYSTEMS

AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM

TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM
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 AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM
FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEM
A freshwater ecosystem has low salinity levels, providing a good environment for a variety
of plants and animals. The sizes of freshwater resources range from small ponds to very
large rivers. Freshwater resources vary from one another in terms of how they travel. While
some freshwater bodies are constantly moving, like rivers, others remain still, like ponds.

Living creatures that live in Freshwater Ecosystems: Fishes, amphibians, reptiles,

mosquitoes, dragonflies, bees, wasps, water spiders, ducks, geese, etc.

LOTIC LENTIC WETLANDS

 AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM
MARINE ECOSYSTEM
Aquatic environments with high levels of dissolved salt are
marine ecosystems. These comprise the deep ocean, the open
ocean, and the coastal marine ecosystems. Each of these has
unique biological and physical properties. The ecosystem’s
exposure to the sun, the amount of oxygen and nutrients that are
dissolved in the water, the distance from land, the depth, and the
temperature are all significant abiotic factors.
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM
A type of terrestrial ecosystems that is

FORESTS
covered in trees, creating several canopy
layers. A variety of animal species live in
dense tree covers and tropical rainforests

It has a dry environment that permits

relatively little vegetation. Primarily, different
GRASSLANDS species of grasses, are what define the
grassland ecosystem. In this environment,
grass and herbs predominate.
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TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM
Tundra has extreme environmental

TUNDRA
conditions like that of the polar region. The
location is typically windy, blanketed in snow,
and devoid of trees. Its environment is
constantly covered in absolutely frozen dirt

Deserts are unproductive land surfaces with

extreme temperature swings and

DESERTS
inadequately maintained species. One of the
driest land regions on the globe. A desert
receives an extremely small amount of
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rainfall.
FUNCTIONAL UNITS
OF ECOSYSTEM
Production: Any ecosystem must have a consistent supply of solar energy to survive
and function. Primary production is influenced by the types of plants that live there.
Decomposition: Decomposition is the breakdown of complex organic matter by
decomposers into inorganic components such as carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients.
The decomposers break down garbage and dead organic material.
Energy flow: Radiant energy from the sun is the primary source of energy in all
ecosystems. The ecosystem’s autotrophic, or self-sustaining, creatures utilize the energy
of the sun. Plants use the sun’s energy to change carbon dioxide and water into simple,
energizing carbohydrates.
Nutrient cycling: Chemical substances known as nutrients are substances that
organisms need for growth and the maintenance of life. A vast range of chemical
compounds is created when bio-elements interact.
ECOSYSTEM
DIVERSITY
Ecosystem diversity is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, as it ensures the survival of a
wide range of species and helps ecosystems adapt to environmental changes.
Protecting and conserving ecosystem diversity is essential for preserving the delicate
balance of nature and ensuring the well-being of both wildlife and humans
It refers to the variety of different habitats and communities found in a particular area,
along with the various interactions between them. These ecosystems include forests,
grasslands, deserts, rivers, and oceans, each supporting a unique array of plants,
animals, and microorganisms. The diverse range of ecosystems contributes to the
overall health and stability of the environment, providing essential services like air and
water purification, soil fertility, and climate regulation.
 CONCEPTS OF ECOSYSTEM

PAGE 10
Linear sequence of organism Complex networks of interconnected
Follow a single path, who eats food chains
whom Shows multiple feeding relationships
Less flexible, disruption can More flexible, alternative food sources
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have large impact exist
ECOLOGICAL PYRAMID
Charles Elton postulated the ecological
pyramid in 1927. The base of the ecological
pyramid denotes the producers of that
particular ecosystem. Then it is followed by
the consumers and the top decomposers.

ENERGY FLOW IN
ECOSYSTEM
The flow of energy in the ecosystem is always in one
direction or unidirectional. Even though producers tend to
absorb 100% sun’s light energy in their capacity, they only
pass on 10% of that energy to the next trophic level and then
only 10% of that energy is passed into the next level.
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BIOCHEMICAL CYCLE
It is also known as the nutrient cycle and includes all the phenomena that ensure that
all the basic elements of nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus that are
absorbed by living organisms from the environment are returned to the environment.
This process involves the transfer of nutrients between abiotic and biotic factors and
vice-versa.
Ecosystems are the complex webs of life that includes all living
organisms and their physical surroundings, working together in
harmony. They provide essential services like clean air, water, and
food, supporting life on Earth. Understanding and protecting
ecosystems is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring
the well-being of both wildlife and humans. Protecting ecosystems
is vital for life on Earth. Let’s work together to maintain our
planet’s balance.