Concept of Ecosystem and its Components

The basic fundamental unit of Ecology which includes both the organisms and non living environment, each influencing the properties of the other and each is

necessary for the maintenance of life.

(Odem 1969)

Cardinal principals of ecosystem-1

The Nutrient cycle
SUN PRODUCERS HERBIVORES

PRIMARY CONSUMERS

NUTRIENTS

SECONDARY CONSUMERS

DECOMPOSERS

TERTIARY CONSUMERS

Cardinal principals of ecosystem-2

The Energy Flow
Energy flows through ecosystems, while matter cycles within them
SUN PRODUCERS HERBIVORES

PRIMARY CONSUMERS

NUTRIENTS

SECONDARY CONSUMERS

DECOMPOSERS

TERTIARY CONSUMERS

Cardinal principals of ecosystem-3

The Structure

Components of Ecosystem-1
1. Physical or Abiotic : Non living factors in an organisms environment
Inorganic substances Organic compounds Climatic regime present in their natural environment

Organisms adapt to survive in the abiotic factors present in their natural environment

Components of Ecosystem-2
Biotic : Living factors in an organisms environment
Producers

Primary

Consumers

Secondary

Tertiary

Decomposers

Autotrophs
Organisms capable of using light or inorganic chemical energy to build inorganic nutrients into the organic material of their bodies

All autotrophs are producers

Heterotrophs

Organisms that feed upon other organisms and their waste products described as consumers, detritus feeders, and decomposers are collectively known as heterotrophs.

Heterotrophs
Consumers
Herbivores eat ONLY plants
Ex. Cows, Elephants, Giraffes

Heterotrophs
Consumers
Carnivores eat ONLY meat
Ex. Lions, Tigers, Sharks

Heterotrophs
Consumers
Omnivores eat BOTH plants and animals
Ex. Bears and Humans

Heterotrophs
Consumers
Scavengers/Detritivores
feed on the tissue of dead organisms (both plants and animals)
Ex. Vultures, Crows, and Shrimp

Heterotrophs
Decomposers absorb any dead material and break it down into simple nutrients or fertilizers
Ex. Bacteria and Mushrooms

Detrivores- Consume fragments of dead matter in anecosystem, and return nutrients to the soil, air and water where the nutrients can be reused by organisms

Flow of Energy in an Ecosystem- 1

Food chains and food webs model the energy flow through an ecosystem

Each step in a food chain or food web is called a trophic level The first level = producers The second, third, or higher levels = consumers

As you move up the chain, the energy output decreases

Flow of Energy in an Ecosystem- 2

Food Chains A food chain is a simple model that shows how energy flows through an ecosystem.

Flow of Energy in an Ecosystem- 3

Food Webs A food web is a model representing the many interconnected food chains and pathways in which energy flows through a group of organisms.