Ecosystem
Ecosystem Definition
“An ecosystem is defined as a community of lifeforms in concurrence
with non-living components, interacting with each other.”
What is an Ecosystem?
The ecosystem is the structural and functional unit of ecology where the
living organisms interact with each other and the surrounding environment.
In other words, an ecosystem is a chain of interaction between organisms
and their environment. The term “Ecosystem” was first coined by
A.G.Tansely, an English botanist, in the year 1953.
Read on to explore the types, structure, components, types and functions
of the ecosystem in the ecosystem notes provided below.
Types of Ecosystem
An ecosystem can be as small as an oasis in a desert, or as big as an
ocean, spanning thousands of miles. There are two types of ecosystem:
Terrestrial Ecosystem
Aquatic Ecosystem
Terrestrial Ecosystems
Terrestrial ecosystems are exclusively land-based ecosystems. There are
different types of terrestrial ecosystems distributed around various
geological zones. They are as follows:
1. Forest Ecosystems
2. Grassland Ecosystems
3. Tundra Ecosystems
4. Desert Ecosystem
Forest Ecosystem
A forest ecosystem consists of several plants, animals and microorganisms
that live in coordination with the abiotic factors of the environment. Forests
help in maintaining the temperature of the earth and are the major carbon
sink.
Grassland Ecosystem
In a grassland ecosystem, the vegetation is dominated by grasses and
herbs. Temperate grasslands, savanna grasslands are some of the
examples of grassland ecosystems.
Tundra Ecosystem
Tundra ecosystems are devoid of trees and are found in cold climate or
where rainfall is scarce. These are covered with snow for most of the year.
The ecosystem in the Arctic or mountain tops is tundra type.
Desert Ecosystem
Deserts are found throughout the world. These are regions with very little
rainfall. The days are hot and the nights are cold.
Aquatic Ecosystem
Aquatic ecosystems are ecosystems present in a body of water. These
can be further divided into two types, namely:
1. Freshwater Ecosystem
2. Marine Ecosystem
Freshwater Ecosystem
The freshwater ecosystem is an aquatic ecosystem that includes lakes,
ponds, rivers, streams, and wetlands. These have no salt content in
contrast with the marine ecosystem.
Marine Ecosystem
The marine ecosystem includes seas and oceans. These have a larger salt
content and greater biodiversity in comparison to the freshwater
ecosystem.
Structure of the Ecosystem
The structure of an ecosystem is characterised by the organisation of both
biotic and abiotic components. This includes the distribution of energy
in our environment. It also includes the climatic conditions prevailing in
that particular environment.
The structure of an ecosystem can be split into two main components,
namely:
Biotic Components
Abiotic Components
The biotic and abiotic components are interrelated in an ecosystem. It is an
open system where the energy and components can flow throughout the
boundaries.
Biotic Components
Biotic components refer to all life in an ecosystem. Based on nutrition,
biotic components can be categorised into autotrophs, heterotrophs
and saprotrophs (or decomposers).
Producers include all autotrophs such as plants. They are called
autotrophs as they can produce food through the process of
photosynthesis. Consequently, all other organisms higher up on the
food chain rely on producers for food.
Consumers or heterotrophs are organisms that depend on other
organisms for food. Consumers are further classified into primary
consumers, secondary consumers and tertiary consumers.
Primary consumers are always herbivores that they rely on
producers for food.
Secondary consumers depend on primary consumers for
energy. They can either be a carnivore or an omnivore.
Tertiary consumers are organisms that depend on secondary
consumers for food. Tertiary consumers can also be an
omnivore.
Quaternary consumers are present in some food chains.
These organisms prey on tertiary consumers for energy.
Furthermore, they are usually at the top of a food chain as they
have no natural predators.
Decomposers include saprophytes such as fungi and bacteria. They
directly thrive on the dead and decaying organic matter.
Decomposers are essential for the ecosystem as they help in
recycling nutrients to be reused by plants.
Abiotic Components
Abiotic components are the non-living component of an ecosystem. It
includes air, water, soil, minerals, sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind,
altitude, turbidity etc.
