2. ECOSYSTEM
An ecosystem refers to a dynamic and interconnected community
of living organisms, along with their physical environment,
interacting as a functional unit.
These interactions involve the exchange of energy, nutrients, and
information, resulting in a balance that sustains life within a
specific habitat or area.
3. CONCEPT OF ECOSYSTEM
❏ The concept of an ecosystem is based on the idea that in
nature, living organisms and their surrounding environment are
deeply intertwined and interdependent.
❏ An ecosystem encompasses both living (biotic) and non-
living (abiotic) components that interact with each other within
a defined area.
❏ These interactions involve the flow of energy, the cycling of
nutrients, and the exchange of matter and information.
4. BIOTIC COMPONENTS:
Producers: These
are typically plants and
other photosynthetic
organisms that capture
energy from sunlight and
convert it into food
through photosynthesis.
5. Consumers:
These are animals that feed on
plants (herbivores) or other
animals (carnivores and
omnivores) to obtain energy
and nutrients.
7. ABIOTIC COMPONENTS:
❏ Physical Environment: This includes factors like
climate, temperature, rainfall, sunlight, soil type, and
topography, which shape the habitat.
❏ Chemical Environment: Elements and compounds
necessary for life, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, water,
and minerals, are part of the ecosystem's chemical
makeup.
8. INTERACTIONS & PROCESSES:
❏ Energy Flow: Energy travels through the ecosystem as organisms eat,
are consumed, and are decomposed. Energy is gradually lost as heat
at each trophic level (producer, primary consumer, secondary
consumer, etc.).
❏ Nutrient Cycling: Elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus
cycle through the ecosystem as they are used by living organisms and
returned to the environment through processes like decomposition
and nutrient uptake by plants.
9. ❏ Trophic Levels: Organisms
are grouped into trophic
levels based on their
position in the food chain.
Producers are at the
bottom, followed by
primary, secondary, and
sometimes higher-level
consumers.
10. ❏ Balance and Resilience: Ecosystems strive to maintain a balance
between populations of different species and their environmental
conditions. This balance contributes to the ecosystem's resilience,
allowing it to withstand disturbances and adapt to changes.
❏ Ecological Services: Ecosystems provide a range of services, including
clean air and water, pollination of plants, regulation of climate, and soil
fertility. These services are essential for both the ecosystem itself and
human well-being.
12. Biodiversity can be understood at several levels:
Species Diversity: This refers to the variety and abundance of different species
within a specific region or ecosystem. A higher number of species typically
indicates greater biodiversity.
Genetic Diversity: This level of biodiversity involves the genetic variation within
a single species. Genetic diversity provides the raw material for adaptation
and evolution, allowing species to withstand environmental changes and
giving them the ability to evolve over time.
13. Ecosystem Diversity: This refers to the variety of ecosystems,
habitats, and ecological processes within a certain geographical
area. Ecosystems can range from forests and wetlands to deserts
and coral reefs, each providing unique services and benefits to
both nature and human societies.
14. Biodiversity plays a critical role in several key areas:
❏ Ecosystem Services: Biodiverse ecosystems provide essential
services such as pollination of crops, purification of air and water,
regulation of climate, and nutrient cycling. These services are
crucial for human well-being and the functioning of the planet.
❏ Economic Value: Biodiversity contributes to industries like
agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. Many of our foods,
medicines, and recreational activities rely on diverse natural
resources.
15. ❏ Resilience and Adaptation: Biodiversity enhances the ability of
ecosystems to withstand and recover from disturbances, such as
disease outbreaks, climate change, or natural disasters. Diverse
ecosystems are generally more resilient and adaptable to changing
conditions.
❏ Scientific and Ecological Understanding: Studying biodiversity
helps us gain insights into the relationships between species and
ecosystems, leading to advancements in fields like ecology,
genetics, and conservation biology.
