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types of ecosystem

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Ecosystem- An ecosystem is a chain of interactions between organisms and
their environment.
Structure of the Ecosystem - The structure of an ecosystem is divided into
two main components, namely:
1. Biotic Components
2. Abiotic Components

Note: The biotic and abiotic components are interrelated in an ecosystem.



Biotic Components- Biotic components refer to all living components in
an ecosystem. Based on nutrition, biotic components can be divided into
autotrophs, heterotrophs and saprotrophs (or decomposers).

Producers are autotrophs. They can pro duce food through the process of
photosynthesis.

Consumers are heterotrophs. Organisms depend on other organisms for
food. Consumers are further classified into primary consumers,
secondary consumers and tertiary consumers.
1. Primary consumers are always herbivores as they rely on
producers for food.
2. Secondary consumers depend on primary consumers for energy. They
can either be carnivores or omnivores.
3. Tertiary consumers depend on secondary consumers for
food. Tertiary consumers can also be carnivores or omnivores.
4. Quaternary consumers are present in some food chains. These organisms prey on tertiary consumers for energy.
Furthermore, they are usually at the top of a food chain as they have no natural predators.
5. Decomposers or saprophytes includes fungi and bacteria. They directly thrive on the dead and decaying organic
matter. Decomposers are important for the ecosystem as they help in recycling nutrients to be reused by plants.

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Abiotic Components- Abiotic components are the non -living component of an ecosystem. It includes air, water, soil,
minerals, sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind, altitude, turbidity,
etc.
Functions of Ecosystem
1. It regulates ecological processes such as nutrient cycling, energy
flow population dynamic.
2. Support for life systems. Ecosys tems provide habitat, food and
resources for various organisms.
3. It is also responsible for the cycling of nutrients between biotic and
abiotic components.
4. It maintains a balance trophic levels in the ecosystem.
5. It helps in cycling of nutrients between biotic and abiotic components.
Functional components of an ecosystem are:
1. Productivity
2. Energy flow
3. Decomposition
4. Nutrient cycling
Types of Ecosystem- There are two types of ecosystem:
1. Terrestrial Ecosystem
2. Aquatic Ecosystem
Terrestrial Ecosystem
Terrestrial ecosystems includes land-based ecosystems. There are different types of terrestrial ecosystems are as
follows:
1. Forest Ecosystem
2. Grassland Ecosystem
3. Tundra Ecosystem
4. Desert Ecosystem
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What is the ecosystem?
2. What are the different types of
ecosystems?
3. What are the functional components of an
ecosystem?
4. Which ecosystem do we live in?
5. What is the structure of the ecosystem?
6. Which is the largest ecosystem in the
world?
7. What is the major function of an
ecosystem?
8. What makes a good ecosystem?
9. What all include the non -living things in
an ecosystem?

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Forest Ecosystem- A forest ecosystem consists of several plants, particularly trees, animals and microorganisms that
live in coordination with the abiotic factors of the environment. Forests help in maintaining the temperature of the
earth and are the major carbon sink.

Grassland Ecosystem - The vegetation is dominated by grasses and herbs. Temperate grasslands and tropical or
savanna grasslands are examples of grassland ecosystems.

Tundra Ecosystem- Tundra ecosystems have no trees. It is f ound in cold climates or where rainfall is scarce. These
are covered with snow for most of the year. It is found in the Arctic o r mountain tops.

Desert Ecosystem- Deserts are found throughout the world. These are regions with little rainfall and scarce vegetation.
The days are hot, and the nights are cold.

Aquatic Ecosystem- Are ecosystems present in a body of water. These can be further divided into two types, namely:
1. Freshwater Ecosystem
2. Marine Ecosystem

Freshwater Ecosystem
The freshwater ecosyste m include lakes, ponds, rivers, st reams and wetlands with no salt content in the ecosystem.

Marine Ecosystem
The marine ecosystem includes seas and oceans and content salt in the ecosystem.


Biodiversity- “Variety of life”
There are the following three different types of
biodiversity:
 Genetic Biodiversity
 Species Biodiversity
 Ecological Biodiversity

Types of Biodiversity
Species diversity -Refers to different kinds of organisms found in a particular area.
Genetic diversity- Refers to the varieties of genes /genetic information that organism contain. Genes are rich sources
of biodiversity.
Ecological diversity - Refers to different kinds of places where organisms live and interact.

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Economic importance of biodiversity
1. Organic waste disposal
2. Soil formation
3. Biological nitrogen fixation
4. Crop and livestock genetics
5. Biological pest control
6. Regulate climate, water and soil quality and pollination
7. Extracts monetary benefits through tourism.

Factors that led to loss of biodiversity
1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation - The conversion of natural habitats into agricultural land, urban areas, and
infrastructure development destroys and fragments ecosystems. This is the primary cause of biodiversity loss
.

2. Climate Change- Changes in temperature and rainfall impact plant growth and survival, affecting species that depend
on them.
3. Overhunting- Hunting for meat, animal byproducts, or sport drives species to extinction.
4. Overfishing- Overfishing harm sea-floor habitats and disrupt marine ecosystems.
5. Invasive Species: Non-native species may outcompete native species, prey on them, or transmit diseases, disrupting
ecosystem balance.
6. Pollution: Pollution from industries and factories affects biodiversity by affecting water quality, soil health, and
air purity.




Review Questions
1. What is biodiversity?
2. What are the different types of biodiversity?
3. What is ecological diversity?
4. What is the role of biodiversity in maintaining environmental balance?
5. Suggest few ways to protect and preserve biodiversity.
6. Make a comparison between ecosystem and biodiversity.

Ways protect and preserve biodiversity
1. Government Legislation - Enforce laws and regulations that safeguard natural habitats, wildlife, and ecosystems

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2. Nature Preserves: Establish protected areas where human activities are limited, al lowing ecosystems to thrive without
disturbance
3. Reducing Invasive Species : Control and prevent the spread of non -native species that disrupt local ecosystems
4. Habitat Restoration : Restore degraded habitats by planting native vegetation, removing pollutants, and creating
wildlife corridors
5. Captive Breeding and Seed Banks : Preserve endangered species by breeding them in captivity and storing their genetic
material in seed banks
6. Reduce Climate Change: Address climate change to protect habitats and prevent species loss due to extreme weather
events and shifting ecosystems
7. Purchase Sustainable Products : Choose products made sustainably, reducing the impact on ecosystems and supporting
responsible practices
8. Sustainable Living: Minimize your ecological footprint by conserving resources, recycling, and promoting eco -friendly
choices
9. Education: Raise awareness about biodiversity, its importance, and the need for conservation efforts
Ecosystem Biodiversity
 It is a chain of interactions between organisms and
their environment
 Structure of ecosystem is divided into two (biotic and
abiotic)
 Based on nutrition, biotic components can be divided
into autotrophs, heterotrophs and saprotrophs (or
decomposers)
 Ecosystem are mainly two types (terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystem
 Support life cycle, nutrient cycling and ecological
balance.
 Maintain healthy ecosystem
 Variety of life in an ecosystem
 It has three main components (Genetics, species and
ecological)
 Refers to all species present in an given area
 Focus on species and their interactions
 Importance ecosystem resilience, adaptation and
sustainability.
 Maintain species richness and ecological balance