AEC UNIT-2 ECOSYSTEM

Ecosystem is the basic structural and functional unit of the environment. Both the living and non-
living component of the nature, when interact with each other to establish a stable living community,
it is called as Ecosystem. That means there is a constant exchange of something between these living
& non-livings, is called an Ecosystem.

The theme of the ecosystem is “energy flow”

Sustenance of ecosystem is possible due to the energy dependence as well as energy transfer
between various components of an ecosystem may it be living or non-living.

BIOTIC COMPONENTS

Biotic components are also divided into 3 categories basing upon their food-fed relationships

PRODUCERS:

Producers are the autotrophs (auto means self, troph means to nourish) of the ecosystem. They are
the green plants and green microorganisms who can make their own food material by using carbon
dioxide and water in presence of sunlight with the help of chlorophyll present in them. Ex. All green
plants, Algae, Cyanobacteria,

CONSUMERS:

Consumers are the heterotrophs (hetero-not self troph to nourish) of an ecosystem. They depend on
the producers of the nature to get energy. Consumers are also different types like

a) Primary Consumers – They are the herbivores who eat directly the autotrophs / plants. They
cannot eat any animals. Ex. Grasshoppers, Rabbits, Goats.

b) Secondary Consumers – They cannot directly eat the producers of the ecosystem, that is the
plants. They can eat only herbivores. Ex. Frogs, Jackal, Snakes

c) Tertiary Consumers – They are carnivores in nature means they are the meat eaters. Thus, they
depend on the secondary consumer for their food. They are the top-level carnivores. Ex. – Tigers,
Lions, Vulture, Kite

DECOMPOSERS:

Decomposers are also to some extent heterotrophic in nature. They do not contain chlorophyll, so
depend on other material for food and energy. These organisms can grow on the dead and decay
materials of the environment. That is why they are known as the decomposers or saprophyte, or
scavengers of the nature

ABIOTIC COMPONENTS:

These are the non-living factors in form of solid, liquid or gas found in the nature (ice, water,
moisture). They can be categorised into 2 types.

I) Climatic factors
Ex. Light, Temperature, Humidity, Rain etc.
II) Edaphic factors
Ex. Soil, Organic and Inorganic components of the soil, Substratum etc.
TYPES OF ECOSYSTEM

Natural ecosystem:
These operate themselves under natural conditions. Based on habitat types, it can be
further classified into three types.

Terrestrial ecosystem:
This ecosystem is related to land. Ex: Grassland ecosystem, forest ecosystem, desert
ecosystem, etc.,

Aquatic ecosystem:
This ecosystem is related to water. It is further sub classified into two types based on salt
content.
• Fresh water ecosystem
(a) Running water ecosystems. Ex: Rivers, Streams…
(b) Standing water ecosystems Ex: Pond, lake…
• Marine ecosystem Ex: Seas and sea shores…

Man – made (or) Artificial ecosystems:

Artificial ecosystem is operated (or) maintained by man himself. Ex: Croplands, gardens…

ENERGY FLOW IN THE ECOSYSTEMS

Energy is the most essential requirement for all living organisms.

• Solar energy is the only source to our planet earth.

• Solar energy is transformed to chemical energy in photosynthesis by the plants

(Primary producers).

• 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 or feeding levels.

The flow of energy in an ecosystem follows the laws of thermodynamics.

I law of thermodynamics - “Energy neither can be created nor destroyed, but it can be
converted from one form to other”.

Energy for an ecosystem comes from the sun. It is absorbed by plants, it is converted into
chemical energy. This chemical energy utilised by consumers transform into heat.

II law of thermodynamics - “Whenever energy is transformed, there is a loss of energy

through the release of heat”.

Energy is transferred between tropic levels in the form of heat as it moves from one
tropic level to another tropic level. The loss of energy takes place through respiration,
work, running, hunting etc.,
BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLE

I) Atmospheric Nutrient Cycle

a) Water Cycle

Water is an essential compound for the photosynthesis in plants. Plants absorb water
from the underground through the roots, to its upper or aerial parts. This water is used
for the process of photosynthesis. Some water gets back to the atmosphere from the
plant body through the process of transpiration and some are utilized by the plants for
its metabolic activity. The driving force for a water cycle is the solar radiation which is
15% of the total radiation reaching on the earth. Though the radiation water gets
evaporated from the surface of the waterbodies, it comes back to the surface of earth as
rain.

b) Carbon Cycle

Carbon Dioxide is an important gas present in the nature Plants needs it for the process
of photosynthesis to prepare the food material that is carbohydrates for its own as well
as for heterotrophs. That means it gets locked into the organic matter through the
process of photosynthesis. Carbon Dioxide released to the atmosphere by respiration of
all the living organisms on the earth. Earth’s Crusts also releases carbon which is present
in forms of Calcium Carbonates (CaCO3) and Magnesium Carbonates (MgCO3) which
comes from the skeletons of marine organisms in the process of mineralization. By
subsequent weathering these Calcium Carbonates and Magnesium Carbonates get
mixed with the soil and add to the soil nutrition. In this way ultimately these carbon rich
organic matters accumulate in the ecosystems.

By burning of fossil fuel, coal & wood large amount of carbon dioxide get released to the
atmosphere. These carbon dioxides get assimilated by the plants. The animals consume
these carbohydrates, that is the photosynthetic products. The carbohydrates consumed,
in this way reach to the heterotrophs. When these heterotrophs die, carbon again goes
back to earth’s crust. Through the process of respiration also carbon dioxide released
from the biotic components to the atmosphere

c) Oxygen Cycle

In the atmosphere the dry air contains 20.94% of oxygen. Oxygen is required by all the
living organisms for respiration. It is also associated with the moisture content. It is the
simplest but inevitable nutrient cycle in the ecosystems

II) Edaphic Nutrients Cycle

a) Nitrogen Cycle

b) Sulphur Cycle

c) Phosphorous Cycle

FOOD CHAIN
 “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”

• A food chain always starts with plant life and ends with animal. 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 level, nearly 80-90% of the potential energy gets lost as heat.

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,

• 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.

The green plants are the autotrophs or the producer of the ecosystem. With the help of
chlorophyll, and by using CO2 and H2O from nature in presence of sunlight the plants
can prepare their own food known as carbohydrates. The process is known as
photosynthesis

Plants------- CO2 + H2O + Chlorophyll-------- Carbohydrates

(Photosynthesis Process)

That’s why plants are called autotrophs (auto-self; troph-to nourish) Thus, plants are the
first step in a food chain.

FOOD WEB

• 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 are a number of opportunities of eating and being
eaten at each tropic level.

• Grass may be eaten by insects, rats, deer's, etc., these may be eaten by carnivores (snake, fox,
tiger). Thus there is a interlocking of various food chains called food webs

Difference between food chains and food web:

In a linear food chain 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.
Significance of food chains and food webs

• Food chains and food webs play a very important role in the ecosystem. Energy flow and nutrient
cycling takes place through them.

• They maintain and regulate the population size of different tropic levels, and thus help in
maintaining ecological balance.

• 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.

ECOLOGICAL PYRAMIDS

“Graphical representation of structure and function of tropic levels of an ecosystem, starting with
producers at the bottom and successive tropic levels forming the apex is known as an ecological
pyramid.”

• In food chain starting from the producers to the consumers, there is a regular decrease in the
biomass and number of the organisms.

• Since energy is lost as heat in each tropic levels, it becomes progressively smaller near the top

FOREST ECOSYSTEM

A forest is an area with a high density of trees. A forest ecosystem is one in which tall trees grow that
support many animals and birds. The forests are found in undisturbed areas receiving moderate to
high rainfall. The forest occupies nearly 31% of the world’s land in India it is only 19% of total land
area.

Characteristics of forest ecosystems

• Forests are characterised by warm temperature and adequate rainfall, which make the generation
of number of ponds, lakes etc.,

• The forest maintains climate and rainfall.

• The forest support many wild animals and protect biodiversity.

• The soil is rich in organic matter and nutrients which support the growth of trees.

• Since penetration of light is so poor, the conversion of organic matter into nutrients is very fast.

It provides numerous environmental services like;

Ø Nutrient cycling,

Ø Maintaining biodiversity

Ø Providing wildlife habitat

Ø Affecting rainfall patterns

Ø Regulating stream flow

Ø Storing water

Ø Reducing flooding

Ø Preventing soil erosion

Ø Reclaiming degraded land

Apart from environmental values, forest ecosystems have some traditional values as well.

Ø Fire Wood & Timber.

Ø Fruits.

Ø Gums.

Ø Herbs & drugs.

GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM

Grassland occupies about 20% of earth’s surface. In addition to grass some trees and shrubs are/also
present 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 are classified into three types

• Tropical grasslands

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

• Temperate grasslands

They are usually found in the centres of continents, highly sloped hills. They are characterised by very
cold winters and hot summers: Intense grazing and summer fires, do not support shrubs or trees to
grow.

• Polar grasslands

They are found in arctic polar regions. They are characterised by severe cold and strong winds along
with ice and snow. In summers several small annual plants grow. There are 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 characterised by low or uneven rainfall.

Importance:

• Grasslands are of vital importance for raising livestock for human consumption and for milk and
other dairy products

• Grasslands provided home to many different animals that were hunted and domesticated

• They are used as grazing area for cattle

• They Maintain Biodiversity

• Protects restored habitat for many plants and animals including pheasant, ducks, songbirds and
endangered species

AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

The aquatic ecosystem deals with water bodies. The major types of organisms found in aquatic
environments are determined by the water’s salinity

Types of aquatic life zone

Aquatic life zones are divided into two types.

1. Fresh water life zones

Eg. Ponds, streams, lakes, rivers.
2. Salt water life zones
Eg. Oceans, estuaries.

FRESH WATER ECOSYSTEM POND ECOSYSTEMS

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.
• Pond ecosystems are lentic ecosystems – i.e. they involve stagnant or standing water.

Structure and functions of pond ecosystems-

Abiotic components
Ex: Temperature, light, water and organic and inorganic compounds

Biotic Components

• Producers
These include green photosynthetic organism.
They are of two types.
• Phytoplankton: These are microscopic marine plants, which freely float on the surface of water. Ex:
Floating plants like Nostoc, Anabena, Consmarium.
• Microphytes are microscopic algae Ex: Floating plants and submerged plants like hydrilla, Jussiaea,
wolfia, demna.

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). Ex:
Protozoa, very small fish, ciliates, flagelaltes and protozoans

Secondary consumers (Carnivores):

They feed on zooplankton Ex: Insects like water beetles and small fish.

Tertiary consumers :
They feed on smaller fish Ex: 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. Ex: Fungi, bacteria and flagellates

Importance of pond ecosystems.

1. Biodiversity: Pond ecosystems are very important habitats for so many different types of fish,
birds, plants and crustaceans as well as insects such as dragonflies, damsel flies and pond skaters.
2. Ubiquity: Pond ecosystems can be found on every continent on the planet.
3. Abundance: Pond ecosystems are very abundant. Not only can they be found almost everywhere,
they can be found plentifully.
4. Source of hydration: A watering hole in a prairie or desert many species of animals will come to
pond. Humans can also use these ecosystems as a source of water.
5. Beauty: Pond ecosystems are very beautiful as well.

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 eruption
Characteristics of lake ecosystem
• Lake is a shallow fresh water body;
• It is a permanent water body with large Water resources.
• 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.

Consumers Primary Consumers (Zooplanktons):

They feed on phytopankton Ex: Ciliates, protozoans, etc.

Secondary consumers (carnivores) : They feed on zooplankton. Ex Insects and small fishes.

Tertiary consumers: They feed on smaller fish Ex: Large fishes like game fish.

Decomposers: They decompose the dead plants ad animals Ex: Bacteria, fungi and
aclinonrcetes.

SALT WATER ECOSYSTEMS. OCEAN (MARINE) ECOSYSTEMS

Oceans cover more than two thirds of the earth’ s surface. ocean environment is
characterised 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.
Coastal zone: It is relatively warm, nutrient rich shallow water. It has high primary
productivity because of high nutrients and sunlight.
Open sea: It is the deeper part of the ocean. It is vertically divided into three regions.

• Euphotic zone: It receives abundant light and shows high photosynthetic activity.
• Bathyal zone: It receives dim light and is usually geologically active.
• Abyssal zone: It is the dark zone and is very deep (2000 to metres).

Characteristics of Ocean Ecosystem

It occupies a large surface area with saline water. Since ship, submarines can sail in ocean,
commercial activities may be earned out. It is rich in biodiversity. It moderates the-
temperature

Structure and function Ecosystems

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

Biotic components
1. Producers : Phytoplanktons (diatoms, unicellular algae, etc., ) and marine plants (sea
weeds, chlorophycela, phaeophyceae).
2. Consumers
These are heterotrophic macro consumers. They depend on producers for their
nutrition.

Primary consumers (herbivores) :They feed on producers Ex: Crustaceans, molluscs,

fish
Secondary consumers (carnivores) : They feed on herbivores Ex: Herring, mackerel,
etc.,
Tertiary Consumers: They are the top consumers. They feed on small Ex: Cod,
Haddock, -etc.
.Decomposers: They decompose the dead organic matter. Ex: Bacteria and some fungi.