STRUCTURE OF AQUATIC ecosystems: structure, components and functioning

structure of aquatic ecosystem

1. STRUCTURE OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

2. Flowchart of Energy Flow in Aquatic Ecosystems PRODUCERS

3. Flowchart of Energy Flow in Aquatic Ecosystems CONSUMERS

4. Flowchart of Energy Flow in Aquatic Ecosystems Detritus Food Chain: Dead organic matter sinks and becomes detritus. Decomposers (Bacteria and fungi):  Break down detritus and absorb nutrients. Detritivores:  Worms, crustaceans, and some fish feed on detritus and decomposers.

5. Energy Loss: At each level of the food chain, a significant amount of energy is lost as heat due to cellular respiration. Only about 10% of the energy is transferred to the next level.

6. 10% LAW IN ECOSYSTEMS ENERGY TRANSFER The 10% Law, also known as the Lindemann Law, states that only about 10% of the energy available at one trophic level (feeding level) is transferred to the next level in an ecosystem's food chain or food web. This means that as energy flows through the different levels, from producers to consumers, a large portion of it is lost as heat due to cellular respiration and other processes.

7. Why does this happen? When organisms at each level consume food, they use some of the energy for essential functions like growth, reproduction, and movement. However, a significant amount of energy is lost as heat during these processes. This means that only a fraction of the original energy available at one level remains to be transferred to the next.

8. Is it always exactly 10%? No, the 10% is an average and the actual transfer efficiency can vary depending on several factors, such as: Type of ecosystem: Aquatic ecosystems tend to have lower energy transfer efficiencies compared to terrestrial ones. Organisms involved: Warm-blooded animals generally have lower efficiencies than cold-blooded ones. Food source: Different types of food have varying energy content, affecting transfer efficiency.

9. What are the implications of the 10% Law? Limits the number of trophic levels: With energy loss at each level, food chains typically have a limited number of levels, usually 3-5. Importance of producers: As the base of the food chain, producers play a crucial role in capturing and storing energy that fuels the entire ecosystem. Understanding ecosystem stability: The 10% Law helps us understand why disturbances at lower levels can have significant impacts on higher levels in the food chain.

10. Flowchart of the Structure of a Freshwater Ecosystem Abiotic Components: Water :  Depth, flow rate, temperature, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients. Light :  Penetration depth, availability for photosynthesis. Substrate :  Bottom composition (rock, sand, mud, etc.), topography. Temperature :  Seasonal variations, stratification (layering) in lakes.

11. Flowchart of the Structure of a Freshwater Ecosystem Biotic Components: Producers: Phytoplankton:   Microscopic algae forming the base of the food web. Macrophytes :  Rooted plants like reeds and lilies providing habitat and food. Benthic algae :  Algae attached to rocks or other surfaces.

12. Flowchart of the Structure of a Freshwater Ecosystem Biotic Components: Consumers : Zooplankton :  Microscopic animals feeding on phytoplankton. Macroinvertebrates :  Insects, crustaceans, mollusks , etc., in various feeding groups (herbivores, carnivores, detritivores). Fish :  Diverse species with various feeding strategies. Amphibians :  Frogs, toads, newts, occupying both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Birds :  Ducks, geese, shorebirds dependent on the ecosystem for food and breeding.

13. Flowchart of the Structure of a Freshwater Ecosystem Biotic Components: Decomposers: Bacteria :   Breakdown organic matter, recycling nutrients. Fungi :   Degrade dead plant and animal material.

14. Flowchart of the Structure of a Freshwater Ecosystem Interactions: Food Web:   Energy transfer through producers, consumers, and decomposers. Habitat Use:   Different species utilize specific zones (surface, water column, bottom) for feeding, breeding, and shelter. Nutrient Cycling:   Nutrients flow through the system, recycled by decomposers and available for producers.

15. STRUCTURE OF MARINE ECOSYSTEMS

16. Flowchart of the Structure of a Marine Ecosystem Abiotic Components: Water :   Salinity, temperature, depth, currents, waves, tides. Light :  Penetration depth, availability for photosynthesis. Substrate :  Bottom composition (rock, sand, mud, etc.), topography. Nutrients :  Availability, upwelling events.

17. Flowchart of the Structure of a Marine Ecosystem Biotic Components: Producers: Phytoplankton : Microscopic algae forming the base of the food web. Macroalgae : Seaweeds providing habitat and food. Chemosynthetic bacteria : Near hydrothermal vents, using chemicals for energy production.

18. Flowchart of the Structure of a Marine Ecosystem Biotic Components: Consumers : Zooplankton :  Microscopic animals feeding on phytoplankton. Nekton: Fish, squid, whales, and other swimming animals with diverse feeding strategies. Benthos: Bottom-dwelling invertebrates like crabs, mollusks , and echinoderms. Birds: Seabirds utilizing the ecosystem for food and breeding.

19. Flowchart of the Structure of a Marine Ecosystem Biotic Components: Decomposers: Bacteria: Breakdown organic matter, recycling nutrients. Scavengers: Crabs, shrimp, and other animals feeding on dead organisms.

20. Flowchart of the Structure of a Freshwater Ecosystem Interactions: Food Web:   Energy transfer through producers, consumers, and decomposers. Habitat Use:   Different species utilize specific zones (surface, water column, bottom) for feeding, breeding, and shelter. Nutrient Cycling:   Nutrients flow through the system, recycled by decomposers and bacteria, and replenished by upwelling events. Physical factors:  Water temperature, salinity, currents, and tides influence species distribution and abundance.