What-is-an-Ecosystem (1)-2.pptx.ppt on ecosystem

Ecosystem

1. What is an Ecosystem? An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. It is a complex web of relationships, where plants, animals, and microorganisms depend on one another to thrive and survive. PRESENTED BY PAWAN KUMAR 2301438 FOOTWEAR CCA

2. Components of an Ecosystem Biotic Components Living organisms like plants, animals, fungi, and microbes that interact within the ecosystem. Abiotic Components Non-living elements like air, water, soil, sunlight, and nutrients that provide the physical environment. Producers Autotrophic organisms, like plants and algae, that convert sunlight or inorganic substances into energy-rich organic compounds. Consumers Heterotrophic organisms, like animals, that obtain energy and nutrients by consuming other living things.

3. Biotic and Abiotic Factors Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, such as plants , animals , and microorganisms . Abiotic factors are the non-living components, including sunlight , temperature , water , air , soil , and nutrients . Biotic and abiotic factors interact to create the unique conditions and relationships within an ecosystem, supporting its balance and biodiversity .

4. Energy Flow in an Ecosystem 1 Primary Production Autotrophic organisms like plants and algae use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and nutrients to produce organic compounds through photosynthesis, forming the basis of the food chain. 2 Energy Transfer Energy flows through the ecosystem as organisms consume and transfer energy from one trophic level to the next, with some energy lost as heat at each step. 3 Trophic Levels The flow of energy follows a hierarchy, with producers, consumers (primary, secondary, tertiary), and decomposers, each playing a vital role in the ecosystem.

5. Nutrient Cycling in an Ecosystem Nutrient Absorption Plants take up essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from the soil through their roots. Decomposition When plants and animals die, decomposers like bacteria and fungi break down organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem. Nutrient Uptake by Producers The released nutrients are then absorbed by producers (plants) and used to support growth and reproduction.

6. Ecosystem Services Ecosystems provide vital services that benefit human well-being. These include regulating services like climate control, supporting services like nutrient cycling, and cultural services that enhance our quality of life. Healthy ecosystems also offer provisioning services, such as food, water, and raw materials. Preserving these natural resources is crucial for sustainable development.

7. Threats to Ecosystems 1 Habitat Loss Destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats due to human activities like urbanization, agriculture, and resource extraction. 2 Pollution Chemical, plastic, and noise pollution that disrupts ecosystem balance and harms wildlife. 3 Climate Change Global warming, extreme weather events, and shifting climate patterns that disrupt ecosystems. Ecosystems face a variety of threats that can disrupt their delicate balance and lead to the loss of biodiversity. The primary threats include habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, all of which are driven by human activities. Protecting ecosystems requires addressing these underlying causes through sustainable practices and conservation efforts.

8. Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration Protecting and restoring ecosystems is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, preserving natural habitats, and ensuring the continued provision of essential ecosystem services. Conservation efforts focus on safeguarding threatened species and habitats, while restoration aims to revive degraded ecosystems. Strategies include establishing protected areas, implementing sustainable land management practices, and engaging local communities in conservation initiatives. Ecosystem restoration may involve replanting native vegetation, reintroducing wildlife, and addressing underlying environmental issues such as pollution or habitat fragmentation.

9. Biodiversity 8M Species Estimated number of species on Earth, with most yet to be discovered and catalogued. 3M Endangered Approximately 3 million species are currently at risk of extinction due to human activities. Biodiversity, or biological diversity, refers to the variety and variability of living organisms on Earth. It encompasses the diversity of all life, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest animals and plants. Biodiversity is essential for the balance and resilience of ecosystems, providing food, medicine, and other vital resources for human well-being. Biodiversity hotspots are regions with exceptionally high levels of species richness and endemism, meaning they contain a large number of species found nowhere else on Earth. These hotspots are often under threat from human activities, making their conservation a global priority.

10. India as a Megabiodiversity Diverse Ecosystems India is home to a wide range of ecosystems, from the Himalayan mountains to the tropical rainforests, supporting an abundance of plant and animal species. Vibrant Avifauna India boasts over 1,300 bird species, making it a top destination for birdwatchers to witness the country's remarkable avian diversity. Vast Flora Diversity India is home to more than 45,000 unique plant species, many of which have traditional uses in medicine, food, and textiles. Traditional Conservation Indigenous communities in India have long practiced sustainable land management, contributing to the preservation of the country's rich biodiversity.

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