Ecosystem

By
V. S. Saravana Mani
Head & Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
Annapoorana Engineering College, Salem 636 308
Ecology
All living organism, whether plant or animal or
human being is surrounded by the environment, on which
it derive its needs for its survival.
Each living component interacts with non –living
components for their basic requirements form different
ecosystem.

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Definition
Ecology is the study of interactions among organism
or group of organisms with their environment. The
environment consists of both biotic components (living
organisms) and abiotic components (non – living organisms).
or Ecology is the study of ecosystems.

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Ecosystem is the basic functional unit of ecology. The term
ecosystem is coined form a Greek word meaning study of
home.

Definition
A group of organisms interacting among themselves
and with environment is known as ecosystem. Thus an
ecosystem is a community of different species interacting with
one another and with their non living environment and one
another and with their non- living environment exchanging
energy and matter.

Example
Animals cannot synthesis their food directly but
depend on the plants either directly or indirectly.
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 TYPES OF ECOSYSTEM- Natural ecosystem
Natural ecosystems operate themselves under natural conditions.
Based on habitat types, it can be further classified into three types.
1. Terrestrial ecosystem
This ecosystem is related to land.
Example
Grassland ecosystem, forest ecosystem, desert ecosystem, etc.,
2. Aquatic ecosystem
This ecosystem is related to water. It is further sub classified into
two types based on salt content.
•Fresh water ecosystem
(i)Running water ecosystems.
Examples
Rivers, Streams
(b) Standing water ecosystems
Examples
Pond, lake
(ii) Marine ecosystem
Example :
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Man – made (or) Artificial ecosystems
Artificial ecosystem is operated (or) maintained by
man himself.

Example
Croplands, gardens

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STRUCTURE (or) COMPONENTS OF AN ECOSYSTEM
The term structure refers to the various components.
So the structure of an ecosystem explains the relationship
between the abiotic (non –living) and the biotic (living)
components.

An ecosystem has two major components

•Biotic (living) components
•Abiotic (non living) components

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Biotic components
The living organisms (or) living members in an
ecosystem collectively form its community called biotic
components (or) biotic community.
Examples
•Plants (producers),
•animals (consumers),
•microorganisms (decomposers).

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Members of components of an ecosystem (or)
Classification biotic components

The members of biotic components of an

ecosystem are grouped in to three based on how they
get food.
•Producer (plants)
•Consumer (Animals)
•Decomposers (Micro-organisms)

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1.Procedures (Autotrophs)
Procedures synthesize their food themselves through
photosynthesis
Example :
All green plants, trees.
Photosynthesis
The green pigments called chlorophyll, present in the
leaves of plants, converts CO2 and H2O in the presence of
sunlight into carbohydrates.
6CO2 + 12H2O ----> C6H12O6 + 6O2+6H2O
This process is called photosynthesis
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Consumers (heterotrophs)
Examples
Plant eating species
Insects, rabbit, goat, deer, cow, etc.,
Classification of consumers
Consumers are further classified as
(i) Primary consumers (Herbivores) (Plant eaters)
Primary consumers are also called herbivores, they directly
depend on the plants for their food. So they are called plant
eaters.
Examples :
Insects, rat, goat, deer, cow,
V.S.Saravana horse,
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(ii) Secondary consumers (primary carnivores) (meat eater)
Secondary consumers are primary carnivores, they feed
on primary consumers. They directly depend on the
herbivores for their food.
Example
Frog, cat, snakes, foxes, etc.,
(iii) Tertiary consumers (Secondary carnivores) (Meat-eaters)
Tertiary consumers are secondary carnivores, they feed
on secondary consumers. They depend on the primary
carnivores for their food.
Examples
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3. Decomposers
Examples
Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. Decomposers
attack the dead bodies of producers and consumers and
decompose them into simpler compounds. During the
decomposition inorganic nutrients are released.
The inorganic nutrients together with other organic
substances are then utilized by the procedures for the
synthesis of their own food.

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Abiotic (non-living) components
The non-living components (physical and chemical) of
ecosystem collectively form a community called abiotic
components (or) abiotic community.
Examples
Climate, soil, water l air, energy, nutrients, etc.,
1. Physical components
They include the energy, climate, raw materials and
living space that the biological
community needs. They are useful for the growth and
maintenance of its member.
Examples
Air, water, soil, sunlight, etc.,
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2. Chemical Components
They are the sources of essential nutrients
Examples
•Organic substances : Protein, lipids, carbohydrates, etc.,
•Inorganic substances: All micro (Al, Co, Zu, Cu) and macro
elements (C,H, O, P, N, P, K) and few other elements.

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FUNCTION OF AN ECOSYSTEM
To understand clearly the nature of ecosystem its
functioning should be thoroughly understood.
The function of an ecosystem is to allow flow of
energy and cycling of nutrients.

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Types of Functions
Functions of an ecosystem are of three types.
1. Primary function
The primary function of all ecosystem is
manufacture of starch (photosynthesis).
2. Secondary function
The secondary function of all ecosystem is
distribution energy in the form of food to all consumers.

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Tertiary Function
All living systems diet at a particular stage. These dead
systems are decomposed to initiate third function of
ecosystems namely “cycling”.
The functioning of an ecosystems may be understood
studying the following terms.
•Energy and material flow.
•Food chains
•Food webs
•Food pyramids

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ENERGY FLOW IN THE ECOSYSTEMS
Energy is the most essential requirement for all living
organism. Solar energy is the only source to our planet earth. Solar
energy is transformed to chemical energy in photosynthesis by the
plants (called as primary producers). Though a lot of sunlight falls on
the green plants, only 1% of it is utilized for photosynthesis. This is the
most essential step to provide energy for all other living organisms in
the ecosystem.
Some amount of chemical energy is used by the plants for
their growth and the remaining is transferred to consumers by the
process of eating.
Thus the energy enters the ecosystems through photosynthesis
and passes through the different tropic levels feeding levels.
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Energy flow and Thermodynamics
The flow of energy through an ecosystem follows the two laws of thermodynamics.
1. I law of thermodynamics
It states chat “energy can be created nor destroyed, but it can be considered from one from to
another”.
Illustration
Energy for an ecosystems comes from the sum. It is absorbed by plants, herein it is converted
into stored chemical energy i.e., solar energy in converted into chemical energy.
2. II law of thermodynamics
Statement
It states that, “Whenever energy is transformed, there is a loss of energy through the
release of heat”.
Illustration
This occurs when energy is transferred between tropic levels. There will be a loss of
energy (about 80-90%) in the form of heat as it moves from one tropic level to another tropic
level. The loss of energy takes place through respiration, running, hunting etc.,
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Relationship between structure and function (flow model)
From the above it is clear that, the biotic components
and abiotic components are linked together through energy
flow and nutrient cycling as shown in the following figure.

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Nutrient Flow (OR) Nutrient Cycling (Or) Biogeochemical Cycle In The
Ecosystem
Nutrients
The elements, which are essential for the survival of both plants and
animals are called are called nutrients.
Macronutrients
The elements needed in large amounts are called macronutrients
Examples
Oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Micronutrients
The elements, needed in small amounts are called micronutrients.
Example
Boron, cobalt, strontium, zinc, copper
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Nutrient Cycles
The cyclic flow of nutrients between the biotic and abiotic
components is known as nutrient cycle (or) biogeochemical cycles.
The nutrients enter into procedures and move through the
food chain and ultimately reach the consumer. The bound nutrients
of the consumers, after death, are decomposed and converted into
inorganic substances, which are readily used up by the plants
(procedures) and again the cycle starts.
The major nutrients like C, H, O and N are cycled again and
again between biotic and biotic component of the ecosystem.

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Hydrological Cycle
Movement of water in a cyclic manner is known
as hydrological cycle.

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Carbon cycle
Carbon is the basic component in all the organic components. The
carbon is present in
all biotic components in different forms as food.
Examples:
Carbohydrates, proteins, fats and amino acids. Carbon is present
in the atomosphere as CO2. The CO2 taken up by the green palnts as a
raw material for photosynthesis of different food. This food moves
through food chain, finally the carbon present in the dead matter is
returned to the atmosphere as CO2 by microorganisms.
Sources of CO2 in atmosphere
•During respiration, plants and animals liberates CO2 in the atmosphere.
•Combustion of fuels also release CO2.
•Volcanic eruptions also release CO2.Mani,
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Nitrogen cycle
Nitrogen is present in the atmosphere as nN2 in large amounts (78%). The
nitrogen is present in all biotic components in different forms as food.
Examples
Proteins, vitamins, amino acids, etc.,
The N2 from the atmosphere is taken up by the green plants as a raw material
for biosynthesis of different foods (amino acids, proteins, vitamins) and used in
metabolism. These food move through the food chain. After death of the plants
and animals, the organic nitrogen in dead tissues in decomposed by several
micro organisms ammonifying and nitrifying bacteria) into ammonia, nitrites
and nitrates, which are again used by the plants. Some bacteria convert nitrates
into molecular nitrogen (N2) which is again released back into atmosphere and
the cycle goes on.

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Nitrification
The conversion of ammonia into nitrates is termed as nitrification.
This is brought about by nitrifying bacteria.
Examples
Nitrobacter, Nitrosomonas.

Denitrification
The conversion of nitrates into nitrogen (N2) is termed
dentrification.
This process is brought about by centrifying bacteria.
Examples
Pseudomonas, flurescence.

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Phosphorus cycle
Phosphorus is mainly present in the rocks and fossils. The
phosphorus is present in all biotic components in different forms.
Examples
Bones, teeths, guano deposits. Phosphate rocks is excavated by
man for using it as a fertilizers. Farmers use excess of fertilizers for the
crops. The excess phosphate fertilizers move with the surface run-off
reaches the oceans and are lost into the deep sediments. Sea birds eat
sea – fishes, which are phosphorus rich, and the excreta of the birds
return the phosphorus to the land. Thus the sea birds, are playing an
important role in phosphorus cycling animals and plants use these
dissolved phosphates during the biosynthesis.

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ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION
In an area one community may be replaced by
another community or by a series of communities.
Thus the progressive replacement of one
community by another till the development of stable
community in a particular area is called ecological
succession.

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Stages of ecological succession
1. Pioneer community
The first group of organism, which establish their
community in the area is called ‘Pioneer’ Community.

2. Seres (or) Seral stage

The various developmental stages of a community is
called ‘seres’.
Community
It is the age group of plants or animals living in an area

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Types of ecological succession
Ecologists recognize two types of ecological succession,
used on the conditions present at the beginning of the process.

1. Primary succession
It involves the gradual establishment of biotic
communities on a lifeless ground.
a. Hydrarch (or) Hydrosere
Establishment starts in a watery area like pond and lake.
b. Xerarch or Xerosere
Establishment starts in a dry area like, desert and rock

2. Secondary succession
It involves the establishment of biotic communities in the
area, where some type of biotic community is already present.

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Process of Ecological Succession
The process of ecological succession can be explained in the following steps.
1. Nudation
It is the development of a bare area without any life form
2. Invasion
It is the establishment of one or more species on a bare area through migration followed by
establishment.
Migration -Migration of seeds is brought about by wind, water or birds.
b. Establishment
The seeds then germinate and grow on the land and establishes their pioneer communities.
3. Competition
As the number of individual species grows, there is a competition with the same species and
between different species for space, water and nutrients.
4. Reaction
The living organisms take water, nutrients and grow and modify the environment is known as
reaction. This modification becomes unsuitable for the existing species and favour some new species,
which replace the existing species this leads to seral communities.
5. Stabilizations
It leads to stable community, whichV.S.Saravana
is in equilibrium with
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FOOD CHAINS
Definition
“There sequence of eating and being eaten in an ecosystem is known as food
chain”
(or)
“Transfer of food energy from the plants through a series of organisms is
known as food chain”
When the organisms die, they are all decomposed by microorganism
(bacteria and fungi) into nutrients that can again be used by the plants. At
each and every transfer, nearly 80-90% of the potential energy gets lost as
heat. A food chain always starts with plant life and ends with animal.

Herbivores
Animal that eat only plants are called herbivores.

Carnivores
Animals that eat other animals are called carnivores.

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Food chain in a pond
Food chain in a forest
Tropic Levels (T1,T2, T3, T4, T5) (or) Feeding levels
The various steps through which food energy passes in an
ecosystem is called as tropic levels.
The tropic levels are arranged in the following way as
Where ,
The green plants or producers represent first tropic level T1,
The herbivores or primary consumers represent second tropic level T2.
The carnivores or secondary consumers represent third tropic level T3.
The tertiary consumers are fourth tropic level T4.
Finally decomposers represent last tropic level T5
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 Types of food chain
Food chains are classified into two main types
1. Grazing food chain
2. Detritus food chain

1.Grazing food chain

Found in Grassland ecosystems and pond ecosystems. Grazing food chain
starts with green plants (primary procedures) and goes to decomposer food chain
or detritus food chain through herbivores and carnivores.

2.Detritus food chain

Found in Grassland ecosystems and forest ecosystems. Detritus food chain
starts with dead organic matter (plants and animals) and goes to decomposer food
chain through herbivores and carnivores.

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 Flow diagram
The following flow diagram of grazing food
chain and detritus food chain shows that they are
interconnected to each other but are not isolated.

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FOOD WEB
Definition
The interlocking pattern of various food chains in an ecosystem
is known as food web. In a food web many food chains are
interconnected, where different types of organisms are connected at
different tropic levels, so that there is a number of opportunities of
eating and being eaten at each tropic level
Example
Grass may be eaten by insects, rats, deer's, etc., these may be eaten by
carnivores (snake, tiger).
Thus there is a interlocking of various food chains called food webs

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Difference between food chains and food web
In a linear food chains if one species gets affected (or)
becomes extinct, then the species in the subsequent tropic levels are
also affected. But, in a food web, if one species gets affected, it doest
not affect other tropic levels so seriously.
There are number of options available at each tropic level.

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Significance of food chains and food webs
1. Food chains and food webs play a very important role in the
ecosystem. Energy flow and nutrient
2. cycling takes place through them.
3. They maintain and regulate the population size of different
tropic levels, and thus help in maintaining ecological balance.
4. They have the property of bio-magnification. The non –
biodegradable materials keep on passing from one tropic level
to another. At each successive tropic level, the concentration
keep on increasing. This process is known as bio-magnification.

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ECOLOGICAL PYRAMIDS
Definition
“Graphical representation of structure and function of tropic levels
of an ecosystem, starting with producers at the bottom and each
successive tropic levels forming the apex is known as an ecological
pyramids.”
In food chain starting from the producers to the consumers,
there is a regular decrease in the properties
(ie.,, biomass and number of the organisms). Since some energy is
lost as heat in each tropic levels, it becomes progressively smaller
near the top.

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Types of Ecological pyramids
1. Pyramid of numbers.
2. Pyramid of energy.
3. Pyramid of biomass.

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Pyramids of Biomass
It represents the total amount of biomass (mass o weight
biological material or organism) present in each tropic levels.
A forest ecosystem
The above figure shows that there is a decrease in the biomass
from the lower tropic level to the higher tropic level. This
because the trees (producers) are maximum in the forest, which
contribute a huge biomass. The next tropic levels are herbivores
(insects, birds) and carnivores (snakes, foxes). top of the tropic
level contains few tertiary
consumers S and tigers), the biomass of which is very low.
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It represents the number of individual organisms present ach tropic levels.
A grassland Ecosystem
Example
• The producers in the grasslands are grasses, which are in size and large
in numbers. So the producers occupy lower tropic level (1St tropic level).
The primary consumers (herbivores) •are rats, which the 11rid tropic level.
Since the number of rats are lower Compared to the grasses, the size of
which is lower.
The secondary consumers (carnivores) are snakes, which occupy the 1I1
tropic levels. Since the number of snakes are1 lower when compared to the
rats, the size of which is 1ower.The tertiary consumers (carnivores) are
eagles, which the next tropic level. The number and size .of the last

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FOREST ECOSYSTEM
Introduction
A forest ecosystem is the one in which a tall and trees grow that support many
animals and birds. The forest are found in undisturbed areas receiving
moderate to hi rainfall. The forest occupies nearly 40%
of the world’s land area. In India it occupies only 19% of its total land area.
Types of forest ecosystem
Depending upon the climate conditions, forests can be classified into the
following types.
1. Tropical Rain forests.
2. Tropical deciduous forests.
3. Tropical scrub forests.
4. Temperate rain forests.
5. Temperate deciduous forests.
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Features of different. types of Forests
1. Tropical Rain forests
They are foi.ind near the equator. They are characterized by high temperature. They
have broad leaf trees like teak and 1. and the animals like lion, tiger and monkey.
2. Tropical deciduous forests
They are found little away from the equator. They are characterized by a warm climate
and rain is only during monsoon. They have different types of deciduous trees like
maple, oak and hickary and animals like deer, fox, rabbit and rat.
3. Tropical Scrub forests
These are characterized by a dry climate for longer time. They small deciduous trees
and shrubs and animals like maple, oak and hickory and animals like deer, fox, etc.,
4. Temperate Rain Forests
They are found in temperate areas with adequate rainfall. They are characterized by
coniferous trees like pines, firs, red wood etc., and animals like, squirrels, fox, cats, bear
etc.,
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5. Temperate deciduous forests
They are found in areas with moderate temperatures. have major trees
including broad leaf deciduous trees like oak, hickory and animals like
deer, fox, bear, etc.,

Characteristics of forest ecosystems

1. Forests are characterized by warm temperature and adequate rainfall,
which make the
2. generation of number of ponds, lakes etc.,
3. The forest maintains climate and rainfall.
4. The forest support many wild animals and protect biodiversity.
5. The soil is rich in organic matter and nutrients which support the
growth of trees.
6. Since penetration of light is so poor, the conversion of organic matter
into nutrients is very fast.

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Structure and Function of forest ecosystem

I. Abiotic components

Climatic factors (temperature, light, rainfall) and minerals The abiotic

components are inorganic and inorganic and organic substances found in the soil
and atmosphere. In addition minerals, the occurrence of litter is characteristic
features, majority of forests.

II. Biotic components

1. Producers: The plants absorb sunlight and produce photosynthesis

Trees, shrubs and ground vegetation..

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2. Consumers

(a) Primary consumers (herbivores) :They directly depend on the plants for
their food.

Example : Ants, flies, insects, mice, deer, squirrels.

b. Secondary consumers (primary carnivores):They directly depend on the

herbivores for their food

Examples: Snakes, birds, fox.

c. Tertiary consumers :They depend on the primary carnivores for their food

Examples : Animals, like tiger, lion, etc.,

3. Decomposers
Bacteria and fungi.
They decompose the dad plant and animal matter., of decomposition in
tropical and subtropical forests is in rapid
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GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM.
Introduction
Grassland occupies about 20% of earth’s surface addition to grass
species, some trees and shrubs are/also pre in grasslands. Limited
grazing helps to improve the net primary production of the grasslands.
But, overgrazing leads degradation of these grasslands resulting in
desertification
Types of grassland ecosystem
Depending upon the climate conditions grassland cal classified into
three types
1. Tropical grasslands.
2. Temperate grasslands.
3. Polar grasslands. V.S.Saravana Mani, Head & AP /
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Features of different types of grassland

1. Tropical grasslands
They are found near the borders of tropical rain . forests. are characterized
by high temperature and moderate rainfall (40 to 100 cm). It is also
known as Savanna type. They ye tall grasses with scattered shrubs and
stunted trees and animals like zebras, giraffes, antelopes, etc.,

2. Temperate grasslands
They are usually found in the centers of continents, oil sloped hills.. They
are characterized by very cold winters and hot summers: Intense grazing
and summer fires, do not W shrubs or trees to grow.

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3. Polar grasslands
They are found in arctic polar regions. They are characterized by
severe cold and strong winds along with ice and snow. In summers
several small annual plants grow. They ‘e animals like arctic wolf,
weasel, arctic fox, etc.,

Characteristics of Grassland Ecosystems

Grassland ecosystem is a plain land occupied by grasses. Soil is very
rich in nutrients and organic matter. Since it has tall grass, it is ideal
place for grazing animals. It is characterized by low or uneven rainfall.

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 Structure and function of the grassland Ecosystems
I. Abiotic components
Nutrients, , H, 0, A, P, S, etc.,
These abiotic components are supplied by C02, H2, C, Nitrate, phosphates and
sulphates.
II. Biotic Components
1. Producers: They produce food.
Example :Grasses, forbs and shrubs.
2. Consumers:.
Primary consumers (herbivores) :They depend on grasses for their food
Examples: Cows, buffaloes, deer, sheep, etc.,
Secondary consumers (carnivores) :They feed on herbivores.
Examples: Snakes, lizards, birds, Jackals, fox, etc.,
Tertiary consumers: They feed on secondary consumers
Examples :Hawks, eagle, etc.,
3. Decomposers :They decompose the dead organic matter
Examples :Fungi and bacteria.
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DESERT. ECOSYSTEMS
Introduction
Desert occupies about 35% of our world’s land area. It is
characterized by less than 25 cm rainfall. The atmosphere is dry and
hence it is a poor insulator .

Types of desert ecosystems

Based on the climatic conditions, deserts are classified three types.
1. Tropical deserts.
2. Temperate deserts.
3. Cold deserts.

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Features of different types of deserts
1. Tropical deserts: Tropical deserts are found in
•Africa: Sahara desert.
•Rajasthan: Thar desert.
They are characterized by only few species. Wind blow sand dunes are
very common.

2. Temperate deserts
They are found in
South California: Majave.
They are characterized by very hot summer and very Winter time.

3. Cold deserts
They are found in -
China: Gobi desert.
They . are characterized byV.S.Saravana
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 Characteristics of Desert ecosystem
The desert air is dry and the climate is hot. Annual rainfall is less
than 25 cm. The soil is very poor in nutrients and organic matter,
Vegetation is poor.

Structure and functions of the desert systems ecosystems

1. Abiotic Components
Examples : Temperature, rainfall, sunlight, water, etc.,
The temperature is very high and the rainfall is very low. The
nutrient cycling is also very low.

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II. Biotic Components
Procedures
Examples :Shrubs, bushes, some grasses and few trees .In deserts
mostly Succulent (e.g., cacti) plants are found available. They have water
inside them to stay alive. They have. r on the outside to protect them
from the sun.

Consumers
Examples :Squirrels, nice foxes, rabbits, deer and reptiles.
These animals dig holes in the ground to live in. They come out at night
to find food. Most of the animals can extract water from the seeds they
eat.

Decomposers
Examples : Fungi and bacteria
Desert has poor vegetation with a very low amount of dead
organic mater. They are decomposed by few fungi and bacteria.
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AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
The aquatic ecosystem deals with water bodies. The major types
of organism found in aquatic environments are determined by the
water’s salinity.

Types of aquatic life zone

Aquatic life zones are divided into two types.
•Fresh water life zones
Examples :Pounds, streams, lakes, rivers.
•Salt water life zones
Examples :Oceans, estuaries.

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 FRESH WATER ECOSYSTEM
POND ECOSYSTEMS
Introduction
A pond is a fresh water aquatic ecosystems, where water is stagnant. It
receives enough water during rainy season. It contains several types of algae,
aquatic plants, insects, fishes and birds.

Characteristics of pond
• Pond is temporary, only seasonal.
• It is a stagnant fresh water body.
• Ponds get polluted easily due to limited amount of water.

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 Structure and functions of pond ecosystems
I. Abiotic components
Examples
Temperature, light, water and organic and inorganic compounds
II. Biotic Components
• Producers
These include green photosynthetic organism. They are of two types.
• Phytoplankton
These are microscopic aquatic plants, which freely float on the surface of
water.
Example :Algae, small floating plants like volvox, pandorina anabaena,
consmarium.
Microphytes
Examples: Large floating plants and submerged plants like hydrilla,
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 Consumers
• Primary consumers (Zooplanktons): These are microscopic animals which
freely float on the surface of water. Zooplanktons are found along with
phytoplankton. They feed on plants (phytoplankton).
Examples :Protozoa, very small fish, ciliates, flagelaltes and protozoans.
• Secondary consumers (Carnivores):They feed on zooplankton
Examples :Insects like water beetles and small fish.
• Tertiary consumers :They feed on smaller fish
Examples :Large fish like game fish.

Decomposers: They decompose the dead plant and animal matter and their
nutrients are released and reused by the green plants.
Examples :Fungi, bacteria and flagellates

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 LAKE ECOSYSTEM
Lakes are large natural shallow water bodies. Lakes are used for
various purposes. Lakes are supplied with water from rainfall, melting snow
and streams.
Types of lakes
Some important types of lake are
• Oligotrophic lakes : They have low nutrient concentrations
• Eutrophic lakes : They are overnourished by nutrients like N and P
• Dystrophic lakes : They have low pH, high humic and content and
brown waters.
• Volcanic lakes : They receive water from magma after volcanic

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 Zones of Lake
Depending upon their depth and distance from the shore, likes
consists of four distinct zones.

1. Liftoai zones: It is the top layer of the Lake. It has a shallow water.

2. Lininetic zone: Next to the littoral zone is limnetic zone, where

effect penetration of solar. light takes place.

3. Préfundal zone: The deep open water, where it is too dark.

4. Benthic zone: This zone is found, at the bottom of the lake.

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 Characteristics of lake ecosystem
1. Lake is a shallow fresh water body;
2. It is a permanent water body with large Water resources.
3. It helps in irrigation and drinking.

Structure and function of lake ecosystem

I. Abiotic components
Temperature, light, proteins and lipids, O2 CO2
II. Biotic Consumers
Producers: They are green plants, may. be submerged, free floating
ad amphibious plants.
Examples: Phytoplanktons, algae and flagellates.

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 2. Consumers
(a). Primary Consumers (Zooplanktons): They feed on
phytopankton
Examples: Cilictes, protozoans, etc.,
(b) Secondary consumers (carnivores) : They feed on zooplankton.
Examples: Insects and small fishes.
(c) Tertiary consumers: They feed on smaller fish
Examples: Large fishes like game fish.

3. Decomposers
They decompose the dead plants ad animals
Examples: Bacteria, fungi and aclinonrcetes.
.
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 RIVER (or) STREAM ECOSYSTEM

Introduction
The running water of a stream or a river is usually well
oxygenated, because it absorb’s oxygen from the air. The number of
animals are low in river or stream.

Characteristics of River or Stream.

• It is a fresh water, and free flowing water systems.
• Due to mixing of water, dissolved oxygen content is. more.
• River deposits large amount of nutrients.

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 Structure and function of River or Stream Ecosystem

I. Abiotic components
Examples : River, Light, Temperature, Chemistry, Substrate

II. Biotic Components

Producers: Phytoplankton, algae, water grasses, aquatic masses

other amphibious plants.

Consumers
(i) Primary consumers: They feed on phytoplankton.
Examples : Water insects, snails, fishes:

(ii) Secondary consumers: They feed on primary consumers

Examples : Birds

Decomposers: They decomposes the dead animals and plants.

Examples : Bacteria and fungi.
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 SALT WATER ECOSYSTEMS.
OCEAN (MARINE) ECOSYSTEMS
Introduction
Oceans cover more than two thirds of the earth’s surface. ocean
environment is characterized by its high concentration of salts and minerals.
It supplies huge variety of products and drugs. It also provides us iron,
magnesium, iron, natural gas.
Zones of Oceans
The oceans have two major life zones.
(a) Coastal zone: It is relatively warm, nutrient rich shallow water. It has
high primary productivity because of high nutrients and sunlight.
(b) Open sea: It is the deeper part of the ocean. It is vertically divided into
three regions.
(i) Euphotic zone: It receives abundant light and shows high
photosynthetic
(ii) Bathyal zone: It receives dim light and is usually geologically active.
(iii) Abyssal zone: It is the dark zone and is very deep (2000 to metres).

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 Characteristics of Ocean Ecosystem
1. It occupies a large surface area with saline water.
2. Since ship, submarines can sail in ocean, commercial activities
may be earned out.
3. It is rich in biodiversity.
4. It moderates the- temperature

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 Structure and function Ecosystems

I. Abiotic components
Examples
Temperature, light, NaCl, K, Ca, and Mg Salts alkalinity

II. Biotic components

1. Producers :
Phytoplanktons (diatoms, unicellular algae, etc., ) and marine
plants (sea weeds, chlorophycela, phaeophyceae).

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 2. Consumers
These are heterotrophic macro consumers. They depend on
producers for their nutrition.
• Primary consumers (herbivores) :They feed on producers
Examples :Crustaceans, moiluscs, fish
• Secondary consumers (carnivores) : They feed on herbivores
Examples :Herring sahd, mackerel, etc.,
• Tertiary Consumers: They are the top consumers. They feed on small
Examples :Cod, Haddock, -etc.,

3.Decomposers: They decompose the dead organic matter.

Example s:Bacteria and some fungi.

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ESTUARINE ECOSYSTEM
Introduction
An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal area at the’ mouth of a
river, where sea water mixes with freshwater. It is strongly affected by
tidal action. Estuaries are generally : abundant of nutrients. Estuaries
are useful to human beings due to their high food potential. It is
essential to protect the estuaries from pollution.
Characteristics of Estuarine ecosystem
1. Estuaries are transition zones, which are strongly affected by tides
of the sea.
2. Water characteristics are periodically changed.
3. The living organism in estuarine ecosystems have wide tolerance.
4. Salinity remains highest during the summer and lowest during the
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Structure and function of Estuarine Ecosystem
I. Abiotic Components
Examples :Temperature, pH, sodium and potassium salts and
various nutrients.
II. Biotic Components
•Producers
Examples :Marsh grasses, seaweeds , sea-grasses and
phytoplankton.
•Consumers
Examples :Oysters, crabs, seabirds, small fishes
•Decomposers
Examples :Bacterias, fungi and actenomycetous.

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