1 st Home assignment Topic : Different types of Ecosystem(Dominant Flora and Fauna ) Submitted to: Mr. Dharmpal Singh Submitted by: Anushka Choudhary B.A 1 st Year Section-A Roll no:241H0020049
What is Ecosystem? An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting with each other and their non-living environment (air, water, soil, and climate) in a specific area. Ecosystems can be large, like a rainforest or ocean, or small, like a pond or a garden.
Components of the Ecosystem
Biotic Components Biotic components refer to the living organisms in an ecosystem that interact with each other and with their environment. These components play specific roles in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. 1 . Producers (Autotrophs): Producers are organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They form the base of the food chain by converting solar energy into chemical energy. Examples: Plants (Trees, grass, algae) Phytoplankton (Microscopic algae in aquatic ecosystems)
Certain bacteria (e.g., Cyanobacteria that photosynthesize, or deep-sea bacteria that perform chemosynthesis) Role in Ecosystem: Convert sunlight into energy, provide oxygen, and serve as food for herbivores. 2. Consumers (Heterotrophs) Consumers depend on other organisms for food and energy. They are classified based on their diet: A. Primary Consumers (Herbivores) Eat only plants. Examples: Deer, cows, rabbits, caterpillars, grasshoppers. B. Secondary Consumers (Carnivores) Eat herbivores. Examples: Frogs, foxes, lizards, snakes.
C. Tertiary Consumers (Top Carnivores) Eat both herbivores and secondary consumers. Examples: Eagles, tigers, wolves, crocodiles. D. Omnivores Eat both plants and animals. Examples: Humans, bears, pigs, crows. Role in Ecosystem: Maintain population balance by consuming other organisms.
3. Decomposers (Saprotrophs) Decomposers break down dead plants and animals, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. They help in nutrient cycling by decomposing organic matter into simpler substances that plants can absorb. Examples: Bacteria (e.g., Actinomycetes , which decompose dead matter) Fungi (e.g., Mushrooms, mold) Detritivores (organisms that eat decomposing matter, such as earthworms, termites, and maggots) Role in Ecosystem: Prevent waste accumulation, recycle nutrients, and enrich soil fertility.
Abiotic Components Abiotic factors are the ones with the non-living origin but have a major influence on the living organisms associated with the ecosystem. These include physical components like air, water, light, soil, temperature etc.
1. Physical (Climatic) Factors A. Sunlight (Solar Energy) Primary source of energy for all ecosystems. Essential for photosynthesis in plants and algae. Influences climate, temperature, and biological rhythms (e.g., plant growth, animal behavior). B. Water Crucial for all living organisms for survival and metabolic activities. Affects plant growth, animal hydration, and microbial activity. Ecosystems are classified as terrestrial (land-based) or aquatic (water-based) based on water availability.
C. Temperature Influences metabolism, reproduction, and survival of organisms. Varies by region: Tropical (hot), temperate (moderate), and polar (cold) ecosystems. Some organisms adapt to extreme temperatures (e.g., camels in deserts, penguins in polar regions). D. Air (Atmospheric Gases) Oxygen ( O₂ ) is essential for respiration in animals and plants. Carbon dioxide ( CO₂ ) is needed for photosynthesis in plants. Nitrogen ( N₂ ) is crucial for soil fertility (via nitrogen fixation by bacteria).
Types of Ecosystem 1. Terrestrial Ecosystems (Land-Based) A. Forest Ecosystem Found in regions with high rainfall and dense vegetation. Rich in biodiversity and plays a major role in carbon absorption. Types of Forests: Tropical Rainforest (Amazon, Congo) – Warm and humid, high biodiversity. Temperate Forest (USA, Europe) – Seasonal changes, deciduous trees. Boreal (Taiga) Forest (Canada, Russia) – Cold, evergreen conifers. ✅ Flora: Mahogany, Teak, Oak, Pine, Bamboo, Mosses. ✅ Fauna: Tigers, Elephants, Monkeys, Deer, Snakes, Woodpeckers .
B. Grassland Ecosystem Dominated by grasses with few trees or shrubs. Moderate rainfall and supports grazing animals. Types of Grasslands: Savannas (Africa, Australia) – Hot, scattered trees. Prairies (USA, Canada) – Cold winters, fertile soil. ✅ Flora: Grasses, Acacia, Baobab, Wildflowers. ✅ Fauna: Bison, Antelopes, Lions, Kangaroos, Wolves.
C. Desert Ecosystem Extremely dry with low rainfall. Organisms are adapted to survive extreme heat or cold. Types of Deserts: Hot Deserts (Sahara, Thar ) – High temperatures, sandy terrain. Cold Deserts (Gobi, Antarctica) – Freezing winters. ✅ Flora: Cactus, Date Palm, Desert Rose. ✅ Fauna: Camels, Scorpions, Snakes, Desert Foxes. .
D. Tundra Ecosystem Found in polar regions and high altitudes. Cold temperatures and low biodiversity. ✅ Flora: Mosses, Lichens, Arctic Willow. ✅ Fauna: Polar Bears, Reindeer, Arctic Foxes, Snow Owls
2. Aquatic Ecosystems (Water-Based) Aquatic ecosystems exist in freshwater or saltwater environments. A. Freshwater Ecosystem Found in lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Supports both aquatic and semi-aquatic life. ✅ Flora: Lotus, Water Lilies, Algae, Duckweed. ✅ Fauna: Frogs, Fishes, Turtles, Crabs, Crocodiles.
B. Marine Ecosystem Covers 70% of Earth's surface , highly diverse. Includes oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries. ✅ Flora: Seaweed, Mangroves, Phytoplankton, Coral. ✅ Fauna: Whales, Sharks, Dolphins, Octopuses, Jellyfish.
3. Artificial Ecosystem (Man-Made) Created and controlled by humans. Less biodiversity than natural ecosystems. ✅ Flora: Crop Plants (Wheat, Rice), Garden Plants (Roses, Tulips). ✅ Fauna: Cattle, Poultry, Pets (Dogs, Cats).
Comparison
Bibliography BOOKS:- Hess, D., & Tasha, D. G. (2017). Physical geography: A landscape appreciation (12th ed.). Pearson. Mani, M. S. (1974). Geography of ecosystems: Structure, function, and dynamics . Wiley. Marsh, W. M., & Kaufman, M. M. (2013). Environmental geography: Science, land use, and earth systems . John Wiley & Sons WEBSITES AND ONLINE RESOURCES:- https://www.worldwildlife.org https://www.epa.gov https://www.nationalgeographic.com