Concept of Ecosystem

An ecosystem is a dynamic complex of plant, animal, and microorganism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit.

• Biotic (Living) + Abiotic (Non-living) = Ecosystem.

Structure of Ecosystem

1. Abiotic Components:

• Climatic: Temperature, Light, Humidity, Precipitation.
• Edaphic (Soil): Soil texture, pH, Minerals.
• Inorganic Substances: Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Water.

2. Biotic Components: Organized based on how they get food (Trophic Level).

• A. Producers (Autotrophs):
• Synthesize their own food using sunlight (Photosynthesis) or chemicals (Chemosynthesis).
• Examples: Trees, Grass, Algae, Cyanobacteria.

• B. Consumers (Heterotrophs):
• Primary Consumers (Herbivores): Eat producers directly. (Grasshopper, Cow, Deer).
• Secondary Consumers (Primary Carnivores): Eat herbivores. (Frog, Lizard, Birds).
• Tertiary Consumers (Top Carnivores): Eat other carnivores. (Lion, Tiger, Shark).
• Omnivores: Eat both plants and animals. (Humans, Bears).

• C. Decomposers (Saprotrophs):
• Feed on dead organic matter (detritus). They recycle nutrients back to the soil.
• Examples: Bacteria, Fungi.