ECOSYSTEMS
Ecosystem:
An ecosystem is a complex community of living organisms,
including plants, animals, and microorganisms, interacting
with each other and their non-living environment.
Key Components of an Ecosystem
Biotic Factors Abiotic Factors Energy Flow
Living organisms within an Non-living components of an The movement of energy
ecosystem, such as plants, ecosystem, including air, water, though an ecosystem, from the
animals, and fungi. sunlight, and soil. sun to producers, consumers,
and decomposers.
Types of E cosystems
1 Terrestrial E cosystems 2 Aquatic E cosystems
Water-based ecosystems,
Land-based ecosystems, such including oceans, lakes, rivers,
as forests, grasslands, deserts, and wetlands.
and tundras.
3 Marine E cosystems 4 Freshwater
E cosystems
Saltwater ecosystems,
including oceans, seas, and Freshwater ecosystems,
coral reefs. including lakes, rivers, and
wetlands.
Structure and Function of Ecosystems
-Jheel
Energy flow
Energy flow is the flow of energy through living
things within an ecosystem. All living organisms
can be organized into producers and consumers,
and those producers and consumers can further
be organized into a food chain. Each of the levels
within the food chain is a trophic level.
Tropic levels
Trophic level Example
Producer – 1 st Trophic level Plants
Primary consumer – 2nd Grasshoppers eat grass
Trophic level
Secondary consumer – 3rd Frogs eat grasshoppers
Trophic level
Tertiary consumer – 4th Snakes eat frogs
Trophic level
Nutrient cycles
Earth is a closed system with respect to matter.
Every matter used by living organisms passes
between the biotic and abiotic components of the
biosphere.
Nutrient cycling is the movement or cycling
movement of matter through the system.
It subdivides the system into the atmosphere,
hydrosphere , lithosphere and biosphere.
By matter we mean elements such as carbon,
nitrogen, oxygen or molecules such as water.
The movement of matter between these parts of the
system is generally termed as a biochemical cycle.
Biodiversity And
Ecosystem Stability
Biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem stability and
resilience. It refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing different
species, ecosystems, and genetic variations.
-Jiya
Role of Biodiversity In
Ecosystem S tability
S pecies Diversity
1
Greater species diversity leads to greater stability. Species with high
genetic diversity and many populations are more likely to weather
disturbances, disease, and climate change.
E cosystem S ervices
2
Biodiversity supports essential ecosystem services, such as
pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control.
Resilience
3
Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to disturbances, such as
droughts, floods, and invasive species.
Biodiversity Impacting Stability
Pollination Pest Control
Various insects and animals Natural predators help control pest
contribute to the pollination of plants, populations, reducing the need for
affecting food production and chemical pesticides.
ecosystem health.
Nutrient Cycling
Diverse microorganisms help in
decomposing organic matter and
recycling nutrients.
Threats To Biodiversity
Deforestation
Habitat loss due to deforestation is a major
threat to biodiversity.
Habitat Loss
Conversion of natural habitats for agriculture, urbanization,
and other human activities leads to biodiversity decline.
Climate Change
Climate change is altering ecosystems, leading to shifts
in species distributions and increased extinction rates.
Global Initiatives For
Biodiversity Conservation
Convention on Biological International treaty promoting
Diversity the conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity.
International Union for Global assessment of the
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conservation status of species,
Red List identifying those at risk of
extinction.
-Mahima
Human Impact on
Ecosystem
Human activities are fundamentally changing the world’s
ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, climate and natural resources.
-Khushi
Pollution and Climate Change
1 Air Pollution 2 Water Pollution
Emissions from industries, Industrial waste, agricultural
vehicles, and agriculture runoff, and sewage discharge
contribute to air pollution, pollute water bodies,
harming human health and threatening aquatic life and
the environment. human health.
3 Climate Change 4 Ocean Acidification
Greenhouse gas emissions Increased carbon dioxide
from human activities trap absorption by oceans leads to
heat in the atmosphere, acidification, threatening
causing global warming and marine ecosystems and coral
climate change. reefs.
Biodiversity Loss and Conservation
Efforts
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
Human activities like deforestation and urbanization destroy
habitats, leading to species isolation and population decline.
Overexploitation
Overhunting, overfishing, and overharvesting of resources can
push populations towards extinction, disrupting ecosystem
balance.
Conservation Efforts
Protecting natural habitats, establishing protected areas, and promoting
sustainable practices are crucial for biodiversity conservation.
Species Reintroduction
In some cases, conservation efforts involve reintroducing endangered
species to their original habitats, helping to restore ecosystem balance.
Sustainable Solutions and Individual
Actions
Renewable Energy
Transitioning to renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, can reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable Agriculture
Adopting sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming and crop rotation,
can reduce environmental impact.
Conservation and Recycling
Reducing waste, recycling materials, and conserving water and energy are crucial for
environmental sustainability.
Individual Actions
E ach individual can make a difference by adopting eco-friendly habits, supporting
conservation organizations, and advocating for environmental policies.
-Kripa
-Mari
Definition of Climate Change
Any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for
an extended period of time (10 to 100s of years). In other
words, climate change includes major changes in:
Temperature
Precipitation
Winds
Other Indicators
Climate change can involve both changes in average
conditions and changes in variability. For ex: Extreme
Events.
Sustainable Development
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of
present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.
Conclusion
Understanding ecosystems is crucial for maintaining
biodiversity and promoting sustainability. By recognizing the
interconnectedness of all living things, we can make informed
decisions to protect our planet.
