Environmental Studies (Code-008)

Unit-3: Ecosystems

Introduction
An ecosystem is a dynamic system consisting of living organisms (biotic components) and
their physical environment (abiotic components), interacting as a functional unit. The
balance and sustainability of ecosystems are vital for maintaining ecological integrity and
supporting life on Earth.

nt
1. Concept of an Ecosystem
• Definition: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms in conjunction with

de
the non-living components of their environment, interacting as a system.
• Key Features:
tu
– Interdependence between organisms and their environment.
– Constant energy flow and nutrient cycling.
As

2. Structure and Function of an Ecosystem

a) Structure
BC

• Biotic Components:
– Producers: Organisms that synthesize food using sunlight or chemicals (e.g.,
plants, algae).
e

– Consumers: Organisms that consume other organisms for energy (e.g., her-
th

bivores, carnivores, omnivores).

– Decomposers: Microorganisms that break down organic matter into simpler
substances (e.g., fungi, bacteria).
• Abiotic Components:
– Physical and chemical factors like sunlight, air, water, soil, and nutrients.

b) Function
Ecosystems perform essential functions:
• Energy flow through food chains and webs.
• Cycling of nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and water.
• Regulation of climate and support for biodiversity.

1
3. Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers
• Producers:

– Also known as autotrophs, they convert solar energy into chemical energy via
photosynthesis.
– Examples: Green plants, algae, and certain bacteria.

• Consumers:

– Herbivores (primary consumers): Feed on producers (e.g., deer, rabbits).

– Carnivores (secondary/tertiary consumers): Feed on other animals (e.g., lions,
eagles).
– Omnivores: Feed on both plants and animals (e.g., humans, bears).

nt
• Decomposers:

– Break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients into the ecosystem.

de
– Examples: Fungi, bacteria, and earthworms.

4. Energy Flow in the Ecosystem

tu
Energy flows in a unidirectional manner from the sun to producers and then to consumers.
As

• Trophic Levels:

– First Trophic Level: Producers.

BC

– Second Trophic Level: Primary consumers (herbivores).

– Third Trophic Level: Secondary consumers (carnivores).
– Fourth Trophic Level: Tertiary consumers (top predators).

• Laws of Energy Flow:

e
th

– Energy decreases as it moves up trophic levels due to loss as heat (10% Rule).

5. Ecological Succession
• Definition: The gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over
time.

• Types:

– Primary Succession: Occurs in areas where no life previously existed (e.g.,

lava flows).
– Secondary Succession: Occurs in areas where life existed but was disturbed
(e.g., after forest fires).

• Stages:

2
 – Pioneer Stage: Colonization by hardy species like lichens and mosses.
– Intermediate Stage: Growth of grasses, shrubs, and small trees.
– Climax Stage: Formation of a stable, mature ecosystem.

6. Food Chains, Food Webs, and Ecological Pyra-

mids
a) Food Chains
Linear sequence of energy transfer between organisms.

• Example: Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake → Hawk.

nt
b) Food Webs
Interconnected food chains that depict the feeding relationships within an ecosystem.

c) Ecological Pyramids
de
• Pyramid of Numbers: Shows the number of organisms at each trophic level.
tu
• Pyramid of Biomass: Represents the total biomass at each trophic level.

• Pyramid of Energy: Illustrates energy flow and loss at each trophic level.
As

7. Types of Ecosystems
BC

Ecosystems can be classified based on their nature, structure, and location.

a) Forest Ecosystem
e

• Characteristics:
th

– High biodiversity and dense vegetation.

– Dominated by trees, shrubs, and diverse animal species.

• Functions:

– Carbon sequestration, oxygen production, and regulation of the water cycle.

• Examples:

– Tropical rainforests, temperate forests, and boreal forests.

3
b) Grassland Ecosystem
• Characteristics:

– Dominated by grasses with few trees.

– Supports herbivores like deer, bison, and rodents.

• Functions:

– Soil conservation, habitat for grazers, and climate regulation.

• Examples:

– Prairies, savannas, and steppes.

c) Desert Ecosystem

nt
• Characteristics:

– Extremely low rainfall and sparse vegetation.

de
– Animals adapted to water scarcity (e.g., camels, snakes).

• Functions:
tu
– Unique habitats and regulation of Earth’s temperature.

• Examples:
As

– Sahara Desert, Thar Desert, and Mojave Desert.

BC

d) Aquatic Ecosystems
• Characteristics:

– Includes both freshwater and marine ecosystems.

e

– Supports diverse flora and fauna adapted to water-based habitats.

th

• Types:

– Ponds and Streams: Small, shallow bodies of water. Support aquatic plants,
insects, and fish.
– Lakes and Rivers: Large bodies of freshwater. Provide habitat for fish,
amphibians, and aquatic plants.
– Oceans: Vast saltwater bodies covering 71% of Earth’s surface. Support
marine life like coral reefs, fish, and whales.
– Estuaries: Transitional zones where freshwater mixes with saltwater. High
biodiversity and nutrient cycling.