Ecosystem: Structure and Function

Ecosystem: Structure and Function

The interaction between living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) elements in an ecosystem leads to the development of a unique physical structure specific to each ecosystem type. By identifying and counting the plant and animal species within an ecosystem, we can determine its species composition. The arrangement of different species in vertical layers within an ecosystem is known as stratification. For instance, in a forest, trees typically occupy the uppermost vertical layer, shrubs occupy the second layer, and herbs and grasses are found in the lower layers....

Types of Ecosystem

Terrestrial ecosystems are land-based and include various types such as forests, grasslands, tundra, and deserts. Forests consist of trees, animals, and microorganisms that interact with the environment. Grasslands are dominated by grasses and herbs. Tundra systems lack trees and are found in cold climates. Deserts have little rainfall and limited vegetation. Aquatic ecosystems exist in bodies of water and can be further divided into freshwater ecosystems and marine ecosystems. Freshwater ecosystems include lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and wetlands, with no salt content. Marine ecosystems encompass seas and oceans, with higher salt content and greater biodiversity compared to freshwater ecosystems...

Productivity

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Decomposition

Decomposers are organisms that break down complex organic matter into inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients through a process called decomposition. Dead plant material, such as leaves, bark, flowers, and animal remains including fecal matter, make up the detritus, which serves as the raw material for decomposition.  The process of decomposition involves several important steps, including fragmentation, leaching, catabolism, humification, and mineralization. Fragmentation refers to the breaking down of detritus into smaller particles by detritivores like earthworms.  Leaching involves the downward movement of water-soluble inorganic nutrients into the soil, where they become precipitated as unavailable salts.  Bacterial and fungal enzymes then degrade the detritus, converting it into simpler inorganic substances in a process known as catabolism....

Energy Flow

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Ecological Pyramids

The pyramid shape is commonly used to illustrate the relationship between organisms in terms of food or energy. It resembles a pyramid with a broad base and a narrowing apex. This shape remains consistent whether we express the relationship using numbers, biomass, or energy. In this representation, the base of the pyramid represents the producers or the first trophic level, while the apex represents the tertiary or top-level consumer. There are three main types of ecological pyramids that are typically studied: the pyramid of numbers, the pyramid of biomass, and the pyramid of energy....

Ecological Succession

Ecological succession refers to the gradual and predictable change in the species composition of a particular area over time. During succession, certain species colonize the area and their populations become more abundant, while populations of other species decline or disappear. Succession occurs in areas where no living organisms exist initially, such as bare rock, which is known as primary succession. It can also occur in areas where all existing organisms have been lost, termed secondary succession....

Nutrient Cycling

Nutrient cycling, also known as biogeochemical cycles, refers to the movement of nutrient elements within ecosystems. It is a process where nutrients, which are essential for living organisms, are continuously recycled indefinitely. Nutrient cycling involves the transfer and transformation of nutrients through various components of the ecosystem....

Ecosystem Services

Ecosystems play a crucial role in providing a wide range of economic, environmental, and aesthetic benefits. These benefits are known as ecosystem services. For instance, healthy forest ecosystems contribute to air and water purification, drought and flood mitigation, nutrient cycling, soil fertility, wildlife habitat, biodiversity conservation, crop pollination, and carbon storage, as well as aesthetic, cultural, and spiritual values. While it is challenging to determine the exact value of these biodiversity services, it is reasonable to consider them highly valuable....

Function of Ecosystem

Ecosystem functions refer to the natural processes and energy exchanges that occur among different plant and animal groups across the world’s biomes. For instance, green leaves play a role in food production through photosynthesis, while roots absorb nutrients from the soil. Herbivores consume the leaves and roots, and predators feed on these herbivores. Decomposers have the important task of breaking down complex organic materials into simpler inorganic compounds that can be utilized by producers. Essentially, ecosystem functions involve the flow of energy and nutrients within the food chain. These interactions are crucial for sustaining plant and animal life on Earth, as well as facilitating the decomposition of organic matter and the creation of biomass....

FAQs on Ecosystem

Q1: Briefly write the difference between detritivores and decomposers....