Structure and component of an ECOSYSTEM Ecosystem characteristics

Structure and component of an ECOSYSTEM

Ecosystem characteristics • Ecosystem show large variations in their Ø Size Ø Structure Ø Composition etc. , All the ecosystem are characterized by certain basic structural and functional features which are common.

Structure of ecosystem • Composition and organization of biological communities and abiotic components constitute the structure of an ecosystem • Biotic structure abiotic structure Ø Producers Ø Consumers Ø Herbivores Ø Carnivores Ø Omnivores Ø Detritivores Ø Decomposers physical factors chemical factors

Biotic structure • The plants, animals and microorganisms present in an ecosystem form the biotic component. • These organism have different nutritional behavior and status in the ecosystems and are accordingly known as producers or consumers, based on how do they get their food.

producers Producer- all autotrophs (plants), they trap energy from the sun, co 2, Chlorophyll through photosynthesis. Chemo-autotrophs: microorganism which can produce organic matter through oxidation of certain chemicals in absence of sunlight. • Bottom of the food chain

Consumer all heterotrophs: they get their organic food by feeding on other organisms. • Herbivores • Carnivores • Omnivores • Detritivores

Herbivores Eat plants • Primary consumers • Prey animals • Eg: rabbit, insect, man JHANSIRANI. R AP/ECE

Consumer-Carnivores eat meat • Predators – Hunt prey animals for food. ØIf they feed on herbivores They are secondary consumers Eg: frog ØIf they feed on other carnivores they are tertiary consumers JHANSIRANI. R AP/ECE Eg: snake, big fish etc. ,

Consumer- Omnivores eat both plants and animals Eg: fox, many birds, humans. JHANSIRANI. R AP/ECE

Consumer- detritivores • Saprotrophs: they feed on parts of dead organisms, waste of living organism, and partially decomposed matter • Eg: beetles, termites, ants, earthworms etc. , JHANSIRANI. R AP/ECE

Decomposers • Breakdown the complex compounds of dead and decaying plants and animals into simpler molecules that can be absorbed • Eg: bacteria, fungi

Abiotic structure • Physical and chemical components of ecosystem constitute its abiotic structure. • It includes – Climatic factors – Edaphic factors – Geographical factors – Energy – Nutrients – Toxic substance.

Physical factors • • • The sunlight & shade Intensity of solar flux Duration of sun hours Average temperature Maximum & minimum temperature Annual rainfall Wind Latitude Altitude Soil type Water availability these features have strong influence on ecosystem.

Chemical factors • Availability of essential nutrients like Ø Carbon Ø Nitrogen Ø Phosphorus Ø Potassium Ø Hydrogen Ø Oxygen Ø Sulphur Ø Level of toxic substance Ø Salts causing salinity Ø Organic substance present in soil or water influences the functioning of ecosystem.