GE 10: An Introduction-to-Ecosystems.pdf

Lecture

1. Abiotic Factors
1Climate
Temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric conditions that
influence the distribution and survival of organisms.
2Soil
The physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil that
that determine the types of plants and organisms that can thrive.
thrive.
3Water
The availability and quality of water, which is essential for the
the survival and growth of all living organisms.
4Sunlight
The primary source of energy that fuels photosynthesis and drives
and drives the cycling of nutrients in the ecosystem.
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2. Biotic Factors
Producers
Autotrophic organisms, such as
such as plants, that can produce
produce their own food through
through photosynthesis.
Consumers
Heterotrophic organisms,
including animals, that obtain
their energy by consuming other
organisms.
Decomposers
Organisms, such as fungi and
and bacteria, that break down
down dead organic matter and
and recycle nutrients.
Symbiotic Relationships
Relationships
Mutually beneficial interactions
interactions between different
different species, like pollination
pollination or nitrogen fixation.
fixation.
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3. Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers
1
Producers
Autotrophic organisms, such as plants and algae, that convert solar
energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
2
Consumers
Heterotrophic organisms, including animals and some fungi, that obtain
that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
3
Decomposers
Organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down dead organic
organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
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4. Energy Flow and Nutrient
Cycling
Energy Input
Solar energy is the primary source of energy that drives the
ecosystem, powering photosynthesis in producers.
Energy Transfer
Energy is transferred up the food chain as consumers eat producers
and other consumers.
Nutrient Cycling
Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing nutrients that are
that are then recycled back into the ecosystem.
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5. Ecological Succession
1
Primary Succession
The gradual establishment of a new ecosystem in an area with no pre-
existing life, such as a newly formed volcanic island.
2
Secondary Succession
The process of rebuilding an ecosystem after a disturbance, such as a
such as a fire or deforestation, where some pre-existing life remains.
remains.
3
Climax Community
The stable, mature ecosystem that develops over time, with a diverse
diverse and interdependent community of organisms.
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6. Importance of Ecosystem Conservation
Biodiversity Preservation
Protecting ecosystems helps maintain the variety of living organisms and
organisms and the complex interactions between them.
Resource Sustainability
Healthy ecosystems provide essential resources, such as food, water, and
raw materials, for human use in a sustainable manner.
Climate Regulation
Ecosystems play a crucial role in regulating the global climate by
by absorbing and storing greenhouse gases.
Ecosystem Services
Ecosystems provide valuable services, like water purification, pollination,
pollination, and nutrient cycling, that are essential for human well
well-
-
being.
being.
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7. Functions of Ecosystems
Nutrient Cycling
The movement of essential nutrients,
nutrients, such as carbon, nitrogen, and
and phosphorus, through the biotic and
and abiotic components of the
ecosystem.
Energy Flow
The unidirectional transfer of energy
energy from the sun to producers, then
then to consumers and decomposers,
decomposers, powering the ecosystem.
ecosystem.
Habitat Provision
Ecosystems provide the necessary
resources and conditions for various
various species to thrive and fulfill their
their ecological roles.
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