An ecosystem is a complex and interconnected web of life that encompasses both living organisms and the non-living components of their environment. It is a dynamic and interdependent system where various species interact with each other and their surroundings, creating a delicate balance that sustains life. The study of ecosystems involves understanding the intricate relationships between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors, as well as the processes that govern their interactions. The Concept of an Ecosystem: An ecosystem is defined as a biological community of organisms, along with their physical and chemical environment, all interacting as a functional unit. This concept emphasizes the interdependence and mutual influence of living organisms and their surroundings. Components of an Ecosystem: 1. Biotic Factors: Biotic factors encompass all living organisms within an ecosystem. This includes plants, animals, microorganisms, and fungi. These organisms interact with each other in various ways, forming intricate food webs, relationships, and ecological niches. 2. Abiotic Factors: Abiotic factors refer to the non-living components of an ecosystem, such as soil, water, air, sunlight, and minerals. These factors play a crucial role in shaping the physical environment of the ecosystem and influencing the distribution and behavior of living organisms within it. Biotic Factors in Ecosystems: 1. Producers (Autotrophs): Producers are organisms, mainly plants and some bacteria, capable of synthesizing their own food through photosynthesis. They form the foundation of the food chain by converting solar energy into chemical energy, which is then passed on to other organisms. 2. Consumers (Heterotrophs): Consumers are organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms. They can be classified into herbivores (plant eaters), carnivores (meat eaters), and omnivores (eating both plants and animals). Consumers play a crucial role in regulating population dynamics within an ecosystem. 3. Decomposers: Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead organic matter into simpler substances, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. This process is essential for maintaining soil fertility and sustaining the overall health of the ecosystem. In the Slides, You will get comprehensive information regarding the Ecosystem Topic. Happy Learning :)

1. THE ECOSYSTEM
PRESENTATION

2. Ecology
Types of Ecology
Ecosystem
components of ecosystem
Abiotic and biotic
Table of contents:

3. Ecology is the scientific study of various relationships
of living things to each other and with their
environment.
This term was first introduced by German biologist
Ernest Hackel in 1869. It has been derived from the
Greek root word Oikos; which means home life or
living place and Logos; which means science or study.
Nowadays, Ecology is usually referred to as
Environmental biology.
INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY
Definition

4. Ecology is not somebody's work
It's everybody's work.

5. POPULATION APPROACH
( AUTECOLOGY)
This approach is based on the study of
individual species, it accounts for the
interrelationship between an individual species
and its environment.
For example: if a single Mango tree in the
garden is studied, the study would be
Autecology in nature, or the study of Chemical
pollution on the growth and yield of 100 mango
plants is also Autecology.

6. COMMUNITY APPROACH (SYNECOLOGY)
It is the study of the organization and functioning of
communities, which are assemblages of interacting
populations of the species living within a particular
area or habitat.
Definition
Therefore, the study of different communities
and the relation between them and their
environment is called synecology. It includes all
types of biotic components all living or nonliving
organisms.

7. This is the most recent development in
ecology. Ecosystem is the highest level of
biological organization, all ecological
concepts can be set within this framework.
This approach is based on two things, the
flow of energy and the cycling of matter
between living and nonliving components.
The earth is the best example of an
ecosystem with biotic and abiotic factors.
ECOSYSTEM APPROACH

8. Habitat refers to the place or the location
where an organism (or a biological
population) lives, resides or exists.
In ecology, a habitat is where a species of
organism lives or thrives. It is the natural
environment of that species. It is where it
will derive its food, shelter, and mate for
reproduction.
The evolutionary approach is linked with
evolutionary trends. It tells us about
changes since life evolved and may
predict future changes. However, this
study also needs the use of Fossil
records. Darwin's theory of natural
selection and the origin of species can
also discussed and studied in this part
of Ecology.
HABITAT APPROACH & EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH

9. ECOSYSTEM AND IT'S COMPONENTS:
The interaction between a community
and its physical environment is
termed an ecological system or
ecosystem. The term was first time
used by Tansely in 1935. According to
him " an ecosystem is a structural and
functional unit of the community,
which shows the relationship between
flow of energy and cycling of matter
between living (biotic) and non-living
(abiotic) components.

10. ABIOTIC COMPONENTS
C O M P O N E N T S O F A N E C O S Y S T E M
CLIMATIC
FACTORS

11. CLIMATIC FACTORS
1: Light
2: Temperature
3: Water
4: Atmosphere and wind
5: Fire

12. LIGHT
Light duration
Light Quality
Intensity of light

13. The range of temperature favoring
biochemical processes is narrow, its main
source is the radiant energy of the sun. In
the biosphere life mainly exists in the range
of 0 to 50°C. The temperature below
freezing point damages and kills the living
cells and similar is the case with high
temperature, where protoplasm is
denatured.
TEMPERATURE

14. WATER
Water is the most important factor because
the distribution of vegetation is directly
related to the amount of water. It is
abundant in aquatic while limiting factors
in terrestrial ecosystems. It acts as a
solvent for various nutrients maintains the
turgidity of cells acts as raw material of
photosynthesis and also takes part in
various metabolic reactions.

15. ATMOSPHERE AND WIND
The major part of biosphere consists of
the atmosphere. The gaseous
components of atmosphere are nitrogen,
oxygen,carbon dioxide and water
vapours. Most of the components are
linked with biochemical cycles. They are
of vital importance for respiration,
photosynthesis and protein synthesis.

16. The fire may be caused by lightning,
volcanic activity, mutual friction
between trees such as bamboo, and
mostly by man. Fire also brings about
changes in environmental factors like
light, rainfall, pH and nutrients.
FIRE

17. BIOTIC COMPONENTS
The biotic components of an ecosystem are living
things that on a trophic basis (troph: nourishment)
are further classified into two types autotroph and
heterotroph.

18. HETEROTROPHS
(hetero: different, trophs: nourishing) depends for their
nourishment on other organisms. Animals, fungi, and most of
the bacteria are heterotrophs and they derive their food
directly or indirectly from the food prepared by the green
plants.
LEARN MORE

19. AUTOTROPHS
The autotrophs (auto: self, trophs: nourishing) are
the plants and other organisms that possess
chlorophyll and can prepare their food from simple
inorganic substances.
LEARN MORE

20. OTHER COMPONENTS
PRODUCERS
CONSUMERS
DECOMPOSERS
Based on the production of food and its
consumption, the biotic components of an
ecosystem are further classified into three
types

21. Photosynthesizing organisms:
Producers are any kind of green plant. Green plants
make their food by taking sunlight and using the
energy to make sugar. The plant uses this sugar, also
called glucose to make many things, such as wood,
leaves, roots, and bark. Trees, such as the mighty Oak,
and the grand American Beech, are examples of
producers.
PRODUCERS

22. Any organism that can’t make its food
Consumers have to feed on producers or other consumers to
survive. Deer are herbivores, which means that they only eat plants
(Producers). Bears are another example of consumers. Black bears
are omnivores and scavengers, like skunks and raccoons, which
means that they will eat just about anything. In a forest
community, Black Bears will eat blueberries, bugs, acorns, and
many kinds of nuts.
CONSUMERS

23. An organism that primarily feeds on dead
organisms or the waste from living organisms
Decomposers are the garbage men of the animal
kingdom; they take all the dead animals and plants
(consumers and decomposers) and break them
down into their nutrient components so that
plants can use them to make more food.
Decomposers in the forest come in many different
shapes and sizes. Shelf fungus is a fungus that
grows on the sides of trees. It grows into a tree and
decomposes it slowly.
DECOMPOSERS