Structure of an Ecosystem
- It includes both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components.
Biotic Components
Producers (Autotrophs)
- Plants, algae, and some bacteria that convert solar energy into chemical energy (photosynthesis).
- Example: Grass, Trees, Phytoplankton.
Consumers (Heterotrophs)
- Organisms that depend on producers for energy.
- Primary Consumers (Herbivores): Eat producers.
- Examples: Deer, Insects, Zebras.
- Secondary Consumers (Carnivores/Omnivores): Eat primary consumers.
- Examples: Snakes, Frogs, Hawks.
- Tertiary Consumers (Top Predators): Eat secondary consumers.
- Example: Lions, Eagles.
- Decomposers (Detritivores): Break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients back into the soil.
- Examples: Fungi, Bacteria, Earthworms.
Abiotic Components
☛ These are the non-living factors in an ecosystem, including sunlight, temperature, water, soil, air, minerals, wind, pH, pressure, and topography.
☛ Sunlight is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems. It drives photosynthesis in plants, which is essential for the production of food.
☛ Temperature influences the rate of metabolic processes in organisms, such as digestion, growth, and reproduction.
☛ Water is vital for life. It is involved in various biological processes, such as cell function, nutrient transport, and photosynthesis.
☛ Soil provides a medium for plant growth by supplying nutrients and water. It also houses microorganisms that decompose organic matter.
☛ Air (Atmosphere) provides oxygen for respiration and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. It also contains nitrogen, which is crucial for plant growth.
☛ Minerals (such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus) are essential for the growth and development of plants and other organisms.
☛ Nutrients availability in the soil determines the productivity of ecosystems.
☛ Wind helps in the dispersal of seeds, pollen, and spores. It also plays a role in cooling the environment and distributing moisture.
☛ pH affects the solubility of nutrients and minerals, influencing plant growth and microbial activity.
☛ Topography (Landforms) – The shape of the land (mountains, valleys, plains) influences water drainage, sunlight exposure, and wind patterns.
