Ecology and types of ecosystem, factors and energy flowpptx

Ecology definition, Factors of ecosystem and types of ecosystem and energy flow

1. ECOLOGY - Om Ale

2. It was coined by German scientist ‘Earnest Haeckel’ in 1869 Ecology is a combination of two Greek words “Oikos” means house or place to live in and “logy” means to study. It is the study of complex interrelations between organisms and their environment where they live for existence. Ecology is thus defined as the scientific study of ecosystems which deals with interactions among the group of organisms of different species with each other and with their non-living surrounding. ECOLOGY

3. The term ‘Ecosystem’ was proposed by A.G. Tansley in 1935. Eco means environment and system denotes an interacting, interdependent, integrated complex. According to E.P. Odum, the ecosystem is the basic functional unit of ecology where organisms and their environment interact with each other and with their own components. Ecosystem is a place/surrounding where, Biotic factors interact with Biotic and Abiotic factors. ECOSYSTEM

4. Components of ecosystem Biotic components Abiotic components

5. ECOSYSTEM Components of ecosystem Biotic components The biotic components include all living organisms present in the environment From nutrition point of view, the biotic components can be grouped into two basic components: Autotrophic Heterotrophic

6. ECOSYSTEM Autotrophic components The autotrophic components include all green plants which fix the radiant energy of sun and manufacture food from inorganic substances.

7. ECOSYSTEM Heterotrophic components The heterotrophic components include non-green plants and all animals which take food from autotrophs or other organisms.

8. Components of ecosystem Abiotic components abiotic components are chemical or/and physical factors that perform on the living components at any time of their life. These are known as ecological factors. The chemical and physical factors are features of an environment. Nutrients, soil, air, and light, etc. form these abiotic factors of the ecosystem The abiotic components change from one ecosystem to another ecosystem. It may contain dissolved oxygen, available nutrients salinity, water depth, turbidity, sunlight, and water pH. Similarly, abiotic components in various terrestrial ecosystems may contain sunlight, nutrients, wind, altitude, rain, temperature, soil types, soil, etc. various essential abiotic components have been categorized below

9. Types of abiotic components Edaphic factors This term arises through the Greek term ' edaphos ' that means floor. Edaphic factors contain substratum and soil. It indicates the abiotic components such as land geography and soil features like mineral content. The land topography such as slopes, depressions, valleys, mountains, and elevations each contribute to the features of the ecosystem. Similarly, soil features such as density, structure, texture, and composition negotiate which plants could grow, and what creatures could live there.

10. Types of abiotic components Topographic factors Topographic factors contain altitude, surface exposure, and slope, etc. These factors define how the activity of the human can affect the resources and land in the area. All humans include affecting on several ecosystem features. Topographic components are likely to lead to large-scale modifications. Thus, they could include profound impacts on various other biotic factors, abiotic factors, the whole ecosystem, and whole biomes. Some of the examples include farming, dam building, mining, and forest clear-cutting.

11. Types of abiotic components Climate factors Climatic factors contain precipitation, light, temperature, atmospheric wind, and humidity The wind can spread seeds in the air that helps with implantation and provides plants an opportunity to grow. Also, the wind is an important illustration of abiotic components such as wind speed and direction that can impact humidity.

12. Trophic levels Producers Consumers Decomposers and Transformers

13. Producers The producers are the autotrophic elements—chiefly green plants. They use radiant energy of sun in photosynthetic process whereby carbon dioxide is assimilated. The light energy is converted into chemical energy. The chemical energy is locked up in the energy rich carbon compounds (carbohydrates) Algae and other hydrophytes of a pond, grasses of the field, trees of the forests are examples of producers.

14. Consumers Those living members of ecosystem which consume the food synthesized by producers are called consumers. Types of consumers: Primary consumers Secondary consumers Tertiary consumers

15. Consumers Primary consumers Herbivores inn the terrestrial ecosystem, and small crustaceans, molluscs, etc. in the aquatic habitat. The herbivores serve as the chief food source for carnivores. Secondary consumers These are carnivores and omnivores. Examples of secondary consumers are sparrow, crow, fox, wolves, dogs, cats, snakes, etc. Tertiary consumers These are the top carnivores which prey upon other carnivores, omnivores and herbivores Besides different classes of consumers, the parasites, scavengers and saprobes are also included in the consumers.

16. Decomposers and Transformers Decomposers attack the dead remains of producers and consumers. Decomposers degrade the complex organic substances into simpler compounds. Transformers which change these organic compounds into the inorganic forms that are suitable for reuse by producers or green plants.

17. How ecosystem functions ? Functional components of ecosystem Energy input Biotic components(Organisms) Abiotic components. Functions: Reception of radiant energy of sun Manufacture of organic materials from inorganic ones by producers Consumption of producers by consumers. Decomposition of complex organic compounds Release the energy back to environment in the form of heat energy

18. Energy flow through ecosystem

19. Energy flow through ecosystem The functioning of ecosystem depends on the flow of energy through matter. The most important feature of energy flow is that it is unidirectional or one way flow. The energy captured by autotrophs does not revert to solar input. The flow of energy follows the first two laws of thermodynamics. First law of thermodynamics states that ‘energy can neither be created nor destroyed but gets from one form into another’. Second law of thermodynamics states that every transformation or transfer of energy is accompanied by its dispersion(loss).

20. Energy flow through ecosystem The energy essential for ecosystem comes from sun called as solar radiation. Less than 50% of solar radiation is PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) Producers capture about 1% of the PAR to produce food by photosynthesis. Producers pass on this energy in the form of biomass to consumers. The dead producers and consumers provide energy to decomposers. The energy is transferred from producers to consumers in a sequential order to form trophic levels. Only 10% of accumulated energy is transferred from one trophic level to another. The ratio of output energy to input energy is called as ecological efficiency. 90% of energy is utilized in life processes or is dissipated as heat. The energy is expressed as Kcal/ m 2 / yr or KJ/ m 2 / yr The study of processes of energy transfer between trophic levels is known as bioenergetics

21. Energy Pyramid The energy pyramid is one of the types of ecological pyramid. It is the graphical representation of trophic structure also the amount and rate of flow of energy. 1000 cal 100 cal 10 cal 1 cal T1 T2 T3 T4 Reducing energy Successive Trophic levels

22. Energy Flow models Upright energy flow model Upright energy flow model was suggested by Lindeman in 1942 According to him: Energy level of any step = Rate of energy absorption – rate of loss in respiration The energy model is always tapering at the top.

23. Energy Flow models Upright energy flow model

24. Energy Flow models One way flow energy model E.P. Odum in 1963 suggested a simple one-way flow energy model. He used boxes and connections to explain energy flow. Boxes were used to denote the biomass of the steps in food chain. Connections to depict energy flowing between trophic levels

25. Energy Flow models One way flow energy model I = Total energy input LA= Light absorbed by Plant cover P G = Gross Primary production A= Total Assimilation P N = Net Primary production NU= Energy not used (stored or exported) R= Respiration P=Secondary Production(Consumers) NA=Energy not assimilated by consumers (egested)

26. Energy Flow models Y – Shaped model of energy flow The model was originally proposed by H.T. Odum in 1956. The model suggested flow of energy in two pathways: Flow of energy along the line of Producers and Consumers. Other flowing along the line of decomposers.

27. Energy Flow models Y – Shaped model of energy flow PC = Primary Consumers SC = Secondary consumers TC = Tertiary consumer D = Decomposer S = Storage SR = Solar Radiation GPP = Gross Primary production NPP = Net Primary production R = Respiration

28. Types of ecosystem Aquatic Ecosystem Terrestrial Ecosystem

29. Types of ecosystem Aquatic Ecosystem Freshwater ecosystem Estuarine Ecosystem Marine ecosystem

30. Freshwater Ecosystem 3% of world’s water is fresh. 99% of fresh water is frozen in glaciers and ice. Rest is in the form of pools, ponds, lakes and streams. Study of freshwater ecosystem is called Limnology. Three basic types of ecosystem are: Lentic: Slow moving or stagnant like pools, ponds and lakes Lotic: Rapidly moving water like streams and Rivers Wetlands: Areas where soil is saturated or flooded. These ecosystems are different in their energy input and flow due to: Depth of water Temperature of water Structure and function of biotic and abiotic components It contains 41% of world’s known fishes It recycles nutrients

31. Lake Ecosystem It can be small ponds and water reservoirs. These ecosystem is largely based on algae such as: Spirogyra Oedogonium Zygnema etc. These are the base trophic level (producers)

32. Lake Ecosystem Rooted plants with floating leaves like Nymphaea sp , are also present These plants provide shelter for egg depositions by animals. The leaves block the sunlight penetration.

33. Lake Ecosystem Potamogeton, Ruppia, Zannichellia, Vallisneria are prominent producers.

34. Lake Ecosystem Hydrilla, Eichhornia and Pistia are commonly found in Indian lakes.

35. Lake Ecosystem Chara, Nitella and Tolypella grow in deep water.

36. Lake Ecosystem The largest predator in this ecosystem will normally be fish. It may have other creatures like: Water snakes Water bugs Frogs Tadpoles and Turtles Water bacteria and fungi are the main decomposers in this ecosystem. Many lakes or bays gradually become enriched by nutrients and fill in with organic matter(eutrophication).

37. River Ecosystem The river ecosystem are determined by the riverbed’s gradient or by the velocity of current. It is a unique ecosystem due to following characteristics: Flow is unidirectional. Continuous physical change High degree of heterogeneity. Variability is high. Biota is specialized to live with flow conditions.

38. River Ecosystem The River ecosystem consists: Greater concentration of Dissolved Oxygen Greater Biodiversity Phytoplankton and Periphyton algae are primary producers. Phytoplanktons float freely in water while Periphytons attached themselves to objects( Cladophora and Ulothrix) Other primitive plants such as Mosses and liverworts are found attached to solid objects

39. River Ecosystem The River ecosystem consists: Angiospermic plants: Free floating like water hyacinth Rooted plants: Submerged Emergent Rooted plants are flexible and elongated leaves.

40. River Ecosystem The River ecosystem consists: Consumers are: Insects Snails, clams, crabs Edible fishes Anadromous fishes (Salmon) Amphibians (salamanders) Reptiles (snakes, turtles, crocodiles and alligators) Mammals(Otters, beavers, hippos and river dolphins) Decomposers: Aquatic bacteria and fungi Threats to river ecosystem: Loss of water Chemical pollution Building dams Introduced species

41. Wetlands The wetland ecosystem is dominated by vascular plants adapted to saturated soil. Producers in this ecosystem are: Typha, Sagittaria, Scripus, Pontederia, Eleocharis. These are used as food by amphibians and insects Aquatic bacteria and fungi are the decomposer in this ecosystem

42. Estuarine ecosystem The estuary is a river mouth where tidal water mixes with fresh water.

43. Estuarine ecosystem The estuary is a river mouth where tidal water mixes with fresh water. Estuarine areas are found in the saline soils of: Gangetic estuarine delta (Hooghly- Matlah estuarine system)near Bay of Bengal. Gautami and Godavari in South India Estuaries have variation in salinity, currents, winds etc. Organisms of these habitat are highly tolerant. Estuaries are more productive than its adjacent fresh water and ocean. These are muddy coastal areas. Algae and marshy grasses are the primary producers of this ecosystem. Insects, terrestrial herbivores, birds, marine organisms are the consumers. The shallow regions are utilized for fish farming.

44. Marine ecosystem Marine ecosystems covers 71% of Earth’s surface and contains 97% of planet’s water.

45. Marine ecosystem Marine ecosystems covers 71% of Earth’s surface and contains 97% of planet’s water. World’s ocean is a single huge water body still it differs in different places. The variation of temperature and season is comparatively lesser than the terrestrial ecosystem Marine ecosystem differ from freshwater ecosystem by the presence of : Dissolved compounds (salts) 85% of salt is Sodium chloride Salinity in 35 parts per 1000 that is 3.5% (Fresh water is less than 0.5 %)

46. Marine ecosystem Zones of Marine ecosystem Neritic zone Intertidal zone Littoral zone Continental shelf Oceanic zone Continental shelf Bathyal zone Abyssal zone Hadal zone

47. Marine ecosystem Zones of Marine ecosystem Neritic zone I t is the shallow water zone on the continental shelf. The biotic communities of the neritic zone consist of the following groups. Phytoplanktons and Macroalgae(Rhodophyta and Phaeophyta) Zooplanktons Nektons Benthos Bacteria

48. Marine ecosystem Zones of Marine ecosystem Oceanic zone The region of the open sea beyond the continental shelf is designated as the oceanic zone The oceanic zone is divided vertically into three or sometimes four parts which are as follows Euphotic Zone Bathyal Zone Abyssal Zone Hadal Zone

49. Marine ecosystem Euphotic Zone The euphotic zone (i.e., the “producing” region) consists of the waters into which sunlight penetrates, and extends down about 180 m below die surface. The producers of the euphotic zone are the phytoplankton; and consumers the zooplankton and nekton Bathyal Zone The bathyal zone extends from the bottom of the euphotic zone to a depth of about 1800 m. It does not receive light. Abyssal Zone The abyssal zone includes all the sea below the bathyal. The area of the ocean ”deeps”, or the abyssal region, may lie anywhere from 1800 m to 4500 m. Like the bathyal zone, abyssal zone also receives no light, and they both form the aphotic zone.

50. Marine ecosystem Hadal Zone The term hadal zone is used to designate the perpetually cold and dark supreme depths of the oceanic trenches. These lower regions have been explored very little, although we know they contain life in the form of bizarre fish and arthropods that have successfully adapted to the great pressures of the lightless habitat.

51. Terrestrial ecosystem It occupies 28% of Earth’s surface Major producers are flowering plants about 2,75,000 species Conifers about 500 species Bryophytes about 24000 species. Major animal taxa includes insects(900000 species), aves (8500 species) and mammals approx. 4100 species Terrestrial ecosystem is classified into: Forest Ecosystem Grassland Ecosystem Desserts

52. Terrestrial ecosystem Terrestrial ecosystem occupies 28% of Earth’s surface Major producers are Flowering plants about 2,75,000 species Conifers about 500 species Bryophytes about 24000 species. Major animal taxa includes: Insects(900000 species) Aves(8500 species) and Mammals approx. 4100 species

53. Terrestrial ecosystem Terrestrial ecosystem is classified into: Forest Ecosystem Grassland Ecosystem Desserts

54. Forest Ecosystem There are different types of forests based on climatic conditions: Tropical rain forest Tropical deciduous forest Temperate evergreen forest Temperate deciduous forest Temperate rain forest Boreal coniferous forest Montane coniferous forest

55. Tropical rain forest These forests are found in: Islands of Java and Sumatra Amazon forest Africa Western ghats of India These forests are with heavy rainfall(200-250 cm/annum) High temperature Producers are tall evergreen trees as high as 200-250 ft, woody lianas, shrubs, herbs and epiphytes

56. Tropical rain forest Grasses, herbs, lichens and mosses are present at lower heights. Radiant energy is utilized maximum due to stratification. Primary consumers are: Grasshoppers, rabbit, deer, snakes, frogs, etc. Secondary consumers are Wolves, Pythons, jackals, lions, tigers, hawk etc. Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi are decomposers.

57. Tropical deciduous forest These are found in: Hills of Deccan Foot hills of Bengal Forest belts of Gangetic and Indus plain Tress are of 150 feet. Trees shed their leaves in dry season. Plants found are: Tectona grandis, Butea, Shorea etc. Herbs and Shrubs are found. Decomposers are bacteria and fungi

58. Temperate evergreen forest These are found in: Southern France, Chile, California etc. These have Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry Rainfall is in winter Plants found are Oaks, Magnolia, Ficus and epiphytes are abundant Decomposers are bacteria and fungi

59. Temperate deciduous forest These are found in: Great Britain, North America, etc. Temperature is average 7-15° C, winters are very cold. Summers are hot Rainfall is moderate Trees grow up to 175 feet. Plats found are deciduous trees, shrubs, herbs and ferns and bryophytes Consumers are Virginia deer, bear, fox, fox squirrels, birds like woodpeckers, wood thrush etc.

60. Temperate rain forest These are found in North America Cool climate throughout the year and rainfall is as high as 350 inches/year Evergreen trees with thick coats of mosses on stems. Plants such as orchids and ferns are characteristics of these forests Large coniferous trees like Sequoia, Thuja, Picea are also present

61. Temperate rain forest

62. Boreal coniferous forest These are found in Canada, Alaska, Russia, Finland, Sweden and Norway Cold winters and intermittent snowfall are observed These are swampy moist forests Soil is rich in peat and humus Conifers like Pinus, Picea and Abies are common These are called taiga

63. Boreal coniferous forest Pinus

64. Boreal coniferous forest Picea

65. Boreal coniferous forest Abies

66. Montane coniferous forest These are found in temperate regions The heights are snowier, colder and wetter while base are dry and hot. Conifers like Pinus, Picea, Junipers and Abies are common

67. Montane coniferous forest Junipers

68. Grassland Ecosystem Grasslands are the areas that are dominated by a nearly continuous cover of grasses. It is one of the most widespread of all major vegetation in the world. They occupy about 20% of the land on the surface of the earth. Grasslands are found in both tropical and temperate regions where rainfall is not enough to support the growth of trees. They are also found in areas consisting of well-defined hot, dry, warm, and rainy seasons.

69. Grassland Ecosystem Producers – In grassland, producers are mainly grasses; though, a few herbs & shrubs also contribute to the primary production of biomass. Consumers – In a grassland, consumers are of three main types: Primary Consumers – The primary consumers are herbivores feeding directly on grasses. Herbivores such as grazing mammals (e.g., cows, sheep, deer, rabbit, buffaloes, etc ), insects (e.g., Dysdercus , Coccinella , Leptocorisa , etc ), some termites and millipedes are the primary consumers. Secondary Consumers – These are carnivores that feed on primary consumers (Herbivores). The animals like foxes, jackals, snakes, frogs, lizards, birds etc., are the carnivores feeding on the herbivores. These are the secondary consumers of the grassland ecosystem. Tertiary Consumers – These include hawks etc. which feed on secondary consumers. Decomposers – These include bacteria of death and decay fungi

70. Dessert Ecosystem The most determining feature of this terrestrial ecosystem is the amount of precipitation it receives, which is the least as compared to other ecosystems. A desert is an arid or bone-dry region of the landscape where there is little precipitation, hence living conditions are unfavorable for both flora and fauna. This ecosystem can exist from the Arctic to the tropics. Not all deserts are hot – some are often windy, while some contain rocks and others have sand dunes. Flora is a very rare but highly adaptive animal species and insects are found here. The soils of the Sahara desert are low in organic matter and are often biologically inactive. The vegetation in the desert’s ecosystem is generally sparse with scattered concentrations of grasses, cacti, date palms and acacia.

71. Hot Dessert Ecosystem The Sahara is known as the world’s largest desert, covering over 8.54 million square kilometers. It is the largest, and the hottest desert in the world. Sahara desert is located in the tropical regions, which is 1,000 m above sea level. The climate in this region is extremely hot, sizzling, dry, and often receives small quantities of precipitation throughout the year. During the day, temperatures will rise as high as 45° C to 50° C, heating the bare rocks and the sand. The nights can be extremely cold, with temperatures going below 0° C, sometimes.

72. Cold Dessert Ecosystem Ladakh is famously known as the cold desert of India. It is found in the high located in the western Himalayas region. The altitude in Ladakh ranges from about 3,000 m in Kargil to 8,000 m in the Karakoram. Due to its high altitude, the climate remains extremely cold and dry. The day temperatures in summer are just above 0° C and the night temperatures go below –30° C. The Gangri glacier along with several other glaciers are found here, along with different rivers flowing through Ladakh. Among the rivers, Indus is the most important river that flows through Ladakh. In Ladakh, there are very few, tiny patches of grasses and shrubs for animals to graze on. Many poplars, groves of willows and shrubs of the genus Salix are seen in the valleys.

73. Dessert Ecosystem Because of the extreme dryness and freezing cold in Ladakh, the vegetation is sparse. During the summer season, beans, turnips, potatoes, peas are sometimes cultivated. Fruit trees such as apricots, apples, and walnuts bloom in cold deserts. Camels, foxes, jackals, owls, hyenas, wild goats and sheep, vultures, scorpions, ostriches, yaks, hawks, and desert reptiles including varieties of snakes and lizards, are the prominent animal species (fauna) of this terrestrial ecosystem.