📘 Short Notes on Ecosystem (10 Pages)
Page 1: Introduction to Ecosystem
Definition: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals,
microbes) interacting with each other and their physical environment (air, water, soil).
Components:
o Biotic: Producers, consumers, decomposers.
o Abiotic: Sunlight, temperature, soil, water, nutrients.
Types: Natural (forest, desert, pond) & Artificial (aquarium, crop field).
Importance: Balance of life, recycling of nutrients, climate regulation.
Page 2: Structure of Ecosystem
Producers (Autotrophs): Green plants, algae – make food using photosynthesis.
Consumers (Heterotrophs):
o Primary (herbivores),
o Secondary (carnivores),
o Tertiary (top carnivores).
Decomposers: Bacteria, fungi – break down organic matter.
Abiotic factors: Soil, climate, water, sunlight – regulate ecosystem function.
Page 3: Functions of Ecosystem
1. Energy Flow: Transfer of energy from producers → consumers → decomposers.
2. Nutrient Cycling: Recycling of elements like carbon, nitrogen, water.
3. Biological Control: Natural checks and balances in populations.
4. Productivity: Amount of biomass produced.
Page 4: Energy Flow in Ecosystem
Unidirectional: Sun → producers → consumers → decomposers → heat loss.
10% Law (Lindeman): Only ~10% energy passes to next trophic level.
Food Chain: Linear flow (grass → deer → tiger).
Food Web: Interconnected food chains, more stable.
Page 5: Types of Ecosystem
1. Terrestrial: Forest, grassland, desert.
2. Aquatic: Freshwater (ponds, lakes, rivers) & Marine (oceans, seas).
3. Man-made: Gardens, crop fields, aquariums.
Page 6: Terrestrial Ecosystems
Forest Ecosystem: High biodiversity, large biomass, regulates climate.
Grassland Ecosystem: Dominated by grasses, supports grazing animals.
Desert Ecosystem: Low rainfall, xerophytic plants, reptiles, camels.
Page 7: Aquatic Ecosystems
Pond/Lake: Self-sustaining, with clear trophic levels.
River: Flowing water, supports diverse species.
Marine/Ocean: Largest ecosystem, regulates global climate, rich in biodiversity.
Page 8: Ecological Pyramids
1. Pyramid of Number: Shows number of organisms at each trophic level.
2. Pyramid of Biomass: Shows total mass of organisms.
3. Pyramid of Energy: Always upright, shows energy flow.
Page 9: Biogeochemical Cycles
Water Cycle: Evaporation, condensation, precipitation.
Carbon Cycle: Photosynthesis & respiration balance CO₂.
Nitrogen Cycle: Fixation → nitrification → assimilation → ammonification →
denitrification.
Phosphorus Cycle: Rock weathering → plants → animals → soil.
Page 10: Human Impact & Conservation
Threats: Deforestation, pollution, overexploitation, climate change.
Conservation Methods:
o Afforestation & reforestation.
o Waste management & pollution control.
o Protected areas (national parks, wildlife sanctuaries).
o Sustainable development.
Conclusion: Ecosystem balance is essential for survival of all life forms.
