What is Ecosystem?

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:50 PM IST

Ecosystem:

Living organism depends basically on non-living organism and cannot isolate from them. This happens because they provide the energy as well as the material for the survival. For stability of the system the interaction can be noticed between environment and the biotic components, which makes the self-sufficient unit so called Ecosystem. Living organism interacted with their physical environment and themselves are the parts of the Ecosystem. The term Ecosystem was first used by A.G.Tansley in 1935. Defining Ecosystem in terms of structural and functional unit of ecology that encompasses the complex interaction between living(biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components.

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Ecosystem:
What is Ecosystem?
Abiotic:
Biotic:
Functions of Ecosystem:

Free photo Save Earth Ecosystem Earth Hour Protect Nature - Max Pixel

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Ecosystem can be defined as the word ‘eco’ means the part of world and ‘system’ means the coordination unit. The habitat and their surrounding environment work as a single unit and this ecological unit is called Ecosystem. It can be seen that naturally occurring aggregation of environment and life associated with it. Living organism and life are the biotic components that includes plants, animals and other living creatures, they are referred as biocoenosis, and the environment is encompasses the physical region of life which is biotope.

Ecosystem can be a whole forest as well as it can be a small pond. Being open system, it receives the energy from outside such as the Sun utilises as it inputs and removes the heat into space as its output. The boundaries of an ecosystem never became so rigid, because they can coagulate to form whole earth ass a single ecosystem. Any Ecosystem has two components i.e Abiotic and Biotic components of ecosystem and functions related to them.

The balance were maintained in an ecosystem, but any new introduction of species may sometimes leads to disastrous results, that leads to death of many species. The living organism and habitat have their different physical environment comprising in an ecosystem for example a mouse can live in a field, garden and in house also.

Description of ecosystem

Depending upon structural and functional unit of an Ecosystem:

What are the components of ecosystem?

Ecosystem basically divided into two main components follows:

Abiotic components of ecosystem
Biotic components of ecosystem

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Abiotic:

The abiotic components are the non- living components and they can be categories into following categories:

Climatic Factors: These may include the factors such as rain, temperature, wind, light, humidity etc.
Edaphic Factors: These may include pH, topography, minerals, soil etc.

Soil is found to be the much more complex sediments than any simpler one, as they contain the mixture of weathered rock fragments, mineral particles, organic matter and other living organisms. Through nutrient cycle of ecosystem vegetation are growing on top of it as well as shelter and water are provided by soil,so it is closely relatable to ecosystem.

Atmosphere: The process like transpiration, evaporation, precipitation of water cycle are conducted and also the organisms found in the atmosphere which is found in the ecosystem uses carbon-di oxide for photosynthesis and oxygen for respiration.

Water: It is the medium of ecosystem to get mineral and nutrients which is helpful in photosynthesis as well as for animals.

Solar radiation: These radiations are necessary for heating up the transpire water and for the photosynthesis of plant. Because the metabolism and organic matter grow with the help of sunlight which is the part of ecosystem.

Biotic:

The biotic components are living components and they may ionclude plants animals and also the micro bacteria and fungi, are all parts of an ecosystem.

Producers: The producers are the green plants that have chlorophyll which helps to entrap the solar energy and changes into chemical energy.The process also includes the simple inorganic compounds and water and process is so called Photosynthesis.As they preapres their food by their own so they are called Autotrophs.
Consumers: The animals depends on plants and can not prepare their food by their own so they are called Hetrotrophs.

The consumers are further divided into four category as follows:

Herbivores or Primary consumers: They are also known as first order consumers, they are the animals which depends on plants.Example- deer, gpoat, cattle, rabbit etc.
Carnivores or Secondary consumers: They are also known as secondary consumers, they are animals which depends on herbivores for their food.Example-cats, snakes,etc.
Tertiary consumers: These are also known as third order consumers, they are large carnivores.Example-wolves.
Omnivores or Quaternary consumers: Theses are also known as fourth order consumers, they depends on tertiary consumers for their food.Example- lions and tigers.

Decomposers: They are also known as reducers bacteria and fungi are the decomposers.The work of decomposers is to breakdown the dead material which is obtained from plants and animals.Theses organic and inorganic materials are the metabolic by products.Reuse of this material can be take place by producers(plants) so cycle of exchange occurs in between biotic and abiotic community, so they are categories as Saprotrophs which means rotten feeders.

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Functions of Ecosystem:

Ecosystem is the dynamic system comprising of all complexity and also performs certain functions.The Function of Ecosystem as listed below.

Productivity
Decomposition
Physical
Biological
Biogeochemical

Productivity:

For the functionality and sustainability of an ecosystem the basic requirement is the constant input of solar energy.The Primary production can be defined as the amount of organic matter or biomass produced over per unit time by photosynthesis.The rate of biomass can be expressed in terms of energy or weight which is so called Productivity.

Ecological Productivity | BioNinja

Decomposition:

Breaking down of complex organic matter into simpler inorganic matter such as carbon di oxide, water, and other nutrients is called decomposition. The remains of dead plant such as leaves,flowers, bark, by products of animals, that includes fecal matter is the raw material for decomposition.The major steps included in the decomposition process are fragmentation, leaching, catabolism, humification and mineralisation.

Leaching is the process where water soluble nutrients precipitated and no residue of salt was found.

Fragmentation is the process where detritus break into much smaller particles.

Catabolism is the process where the detritus gets converted into inorganic substances by the action of bacteria and enzymes on detritus.

Humification oocurs when highly resistant microbial action encopunters the decomposition process at very slow rate which piling up dark colour amorphous substance humus.

Mineralisation is further degradation of microbes and releasing the inorgaic nutrients.

Mineralisation procedure

Physical (Energy flow):

The energy transfer can be seen in different trophical levels of food chain. Chemical energy from food is required for all living organism.This energy flow is based on First and second law of thermodynamics. According to First law of thermodynamics, energy can neither be created nor be destroyed it can only transform from one form to the other. According Second law of thermodynamics if more energy is tranfered more wastage of energy can be seen.

Energy pyramid diagram

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Biological:

Food chain

The functional properties of Ecosystem are food chains and energy flow.This make the ecosystem dynamic in nature, and through this biotic and abiotic components are related.The transfer of energy from food, through a series of organism from herbivores to carnivores and next to decomposers are so called food chain. The process occurs in repeated period of time.

Food chain diagram

In nature basically two major types of food chain can be observed:

Grazing food chains is shown as:

The phytoplanktons → Zooplanktons → Fish seequence

Detritus food chains

Food web

At every point in nature the organism require different food going through different trophic levels so to maintain the balance in ecosystem various types of interconnections are made in between the food chains and they are referred as Food web.

Soil food web

Biogeochemical process:

This is defined as the exchange of material in cyclic format between living organisms and non living organism are so called biogeochemical cycle.

This may include various cycles such as:

Carbon cycle

Nitrogen cycle

Water cycle

Phosphorous cycle

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NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the two major components of ecosystem?

Biotic component(living organism)

Abiotic component(non- living organism)

2. What are the types of Ecosystem?

This can be divided in two different categories which can further be divided.

Terrestrial Ecosystem-

1.Forest Ecosystems

2.Grassland Ecosystems

3.desert Ecosystems

4.Tundra Ecosystems

Aquatic Ecosystem-

1.Marine Ecosystem

2.Freshwater Ecosystem

3. The base of ecological pyramid denotes?

It indicates the producers

4. Which is the ultimate source of energy in ecosystem?

The major source of energy is Solar radiations.

5. Define leaching in the decomposition process.

Leaching is the process where water soluble nutrients precipitated and no residue of salt was found.

6. How do abiotic factors influence the distribution of organisms in an ecosystem?

Abiotic factors like temperature, water availability, soil type, and light intensity determine which organisms can survive and thrive in a particular ecosystem. For example, cacti are adapted to hot, dry environments, while moss prefers damp, shaded areas.

7. How do ecosystems regulate the water cycle?

Ecosystems play a vital role in the water cycle through processes like transpiration (water release from plants), infiltration (water absorption into soil), and runoff. Vegetation affects water retention and movement, while soil composition influences water storage and filtration.

8. What is eutrophication and how does it affect aquatic ecosystems?

Eutrophication is the excessive enrichment of water bodies with nutrients, often due to runoff from land. This leads to algal blooms, which can deplete oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life. Eutrophication can significantly alter the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems.

9. What is the concept of ecological niche?

An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment. It includes how a species interacts with biotic and abiotic factors, its habitat requirements, and its function in the ecosystem. The niche concept helps explain how different species coexist in the same ecosystem.

10. How do ecosystems contribute to climate regulation?

Ecosystems regulate climate through various processes, including carbon sequestration by plants and soil, water cycle regulation, and albedo effects (reflection of solar radiation). Forests, for example, act as carbon sinks and influence local and global climate patterns.

11. What are the main components of an ecosystem?

The main components of an ecosystem are biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors. Biotic factors include plants, animals, and microorganisms, while abiotic factors include sunlight, water, air, soil, temperature, and minerals.

12. What are producers in an ecosystem?

Producers are organisms that can make their own food using inorganic substances and energy from the environment. In most ecosystems, these are primarily plants that use photosynthesis to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.

13. What is a food web?

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains within an ecosystem. It shows the feeding relationships between different organisms and how energy flows through various trophic levels. Food webs provide a more realistic representation of ecosystem dynamics than simple food chains.

14. What is biodiversity and why is it important for ecosystems?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living species within an ecosystem. It is crucial for ecosystem stability, resilience, and productivity. Higher biodiversity often leads to more efficient nutrient cycling, better resistance to environmental changes, and increased ecosystem services.

15. What is ecological succession?

Ecological succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. It can be primary (starting on bare rock) or secondary (starting after a disturbance to an existing ecosystem). Succession involves a series of predictable changes that occur in an ecosystem over time.

16. What is biomagnification and how does it occur in ecosystems?

Biomagnification is the process by which certain substances, particularly pollutants, become more concentrated as they move up the food chain. It occurs when predators accumulate higher concentrations of these substances than their prey, leading to potentially harmful effects on top predators and humans.

17. How do ecosystems adapt to climate change?

Ecosystems adapt to climate change through various mechanisms, including shifts in species ranges, changes in phenology (timing of life cycle events), alterations in community composition, and evolutionary adaptations. However, the rate of current climate change poses significant challenges to ecosystem adaptation.

18. What is the concept of ecological footprint?

Ecological footprint is a measure of human demand on nature. It represents the amount of biologically productive land and sea area necessary to supply the resources a human population consumes and to assimilate associated waste. This concept helps in understanding the impact of human activities on ecosystems.

19. How do biotic and abiotic factors interact in an ecosystem?

Biotic and abiotic factors interact through various processes such as energy flow, nutrient cycling, and adaptation. For example, plants use sunlight (abiotic) to produce food, which is then consumed by animals (biotic). Animals, in turn, release carbon dioxide, which plants use for photosynthesis.

20. What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Decomposers break down dead organic matter and waste products from other organisms. They release nutrients back into the ecosystem, making them available for producers to use. Examples of decomposers include bacteria and fungi.

21. How does energy flow through an ecosystem?

Energy flows through an ecosystem in a one-way direction, typically starting with producers capturing energy from the sun. This energy is then transferred to primary consumers, secondary consumers, and so on up the food chain. At each level, some energy is lost as heat.

22. How do keystone species affect an ecosystem?

Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance. They play a critical role in maintaining the structure and function of the ecosystem. Removing a keystone species can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem's balance and biodiversity.

23. How do invasive species impact ecosystems?

Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new ecosystem, can cause harm to native species and ecosystem functions. They often lack natural predators and can outcompete native species for resources, potentially leading to a decrease in biodiversity and altered ecosystem processes.

24. What is an ecosystem?

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their non-living environment. It includes all the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components within a specific area, functioning together as a unit.

25. What is the difference between a habitat and an ecosystem?

A habitat is the specific place where an organism lives, while an ecosystem is a broader concept that includes the habitat and all the interactions between living and non-living components in a given area. An ecosystem can contain multiple habitats.

26. What is the concept of ecological resilience?

Ecological resilience refers to the capacity of an ecosystem to respond to a perturbation or disturbance by resisting damage and recovering quickly. It's related to the ecosystem's ability to maintain its basic structure and functions despite environmental changes or human impacts. Biodiversity often enhances ecosystem resilience.

27. What is the carbon cycle and how does it relate to ecosystems?

The carbon cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged between the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. In ecosystems, carbon moves through food webs, is stored in biomass, and is released through respiration and decomposition. Understanding the carbon cycle is crucial for studying climate change and ecosystem dynamics.

28. What is the edge effect in ecosystems?

The edge effect refers to the changes in population or community structures that occur at the boundary of two habitats. Edges often have higher biodiversity due to the mixing of species from both habitats, but they can also be more vulnerable to disturbances and invasive species.

29. What is the role of microorganisms in soil ecosystems?

Microorganisms in soil ecosystems play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil structure formation. They break down complex organic compounds, fix nitrogen, form symbiotic relationships with plants, and contribute to soil fertility and ecosystem health.

30. How do ecosystems provide ecosystem services?

Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems. These include provisioning services (e.g., food, water), regulating services (e.g., climate regulation, water purification), supporting services (e.g., nutrient cycling, soil formation), and cultural services (e.g., recreation, aesthetic value).

31. How do predator-prey relationships influence ecosystem dynamics?

Predator-prey relationships are key drivers of population dynamics and evolution in ecosystems. They influence species abundance, behavior, and adaptation. These relationships can lead to oscillations in population sizes and play a role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

32. How do ecosystems respond to disturbances?

Ecosystems respond to disturbances through various mechanisms, including resistance (ability to withstand change), resilience (ability to recover after disturbance), and adaptation. The response depends on the type, intensity, and frequency of the disturbance, as well as the ecosystem's inherent characteristics.

33. How do symbiotic relationships contribute to ecosystem function?

Symbiotic relationships, such as mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism, play important roles in ecosystem function. They influence species interactions, resource utilization, and overall ecosystem stability. For example, the mutualistic relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi enhances nutrient uptake and soil structure.

34. What is the importance of nutrient cycling in ecosystems?

Nutrient cycling is the movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of matter. It is crucial for maintaining ecosystem productivity, as it ensures the continuous availability of essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon for living organisms.

35. What is the role of fire in ecosystem management?

Fire plays a complex role in many ecosystems, influencing vegetation structure, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. While it can be destructive, controlled burns are often used in ecosystem management to maintain certain habitat types, reduce fuel loads, and promote the regeneration of fire-adapted species.

36. How do ecosystems influence soil formation?

Ecosystems influence soil formation through processes such as weathering of parent material, accumulation of organic matter, and the activities of soil organisms. Plants contribute to soil development through root growth and leaf litter, while animals and microorganisms affect soil structure and nutrient content.

37. What is the concept of carrying capacity in ecosystems?

Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a species that an ecosystem can sustain indefinitely, given the available resources and environmental conditions. It is influenced by factors such as food availability, habitat space, and competition. Understanding carrying capacity is crucial for wildlife management and conservation.

38. How do ecosystems regulate pest populations?

Ecosystems regulate pest populations through natural mechanisms such as predation, parasitism, and competition. Biodiversity plays a key role in this regulation, as diverse ecosystems often have more natural enemies of potential pest species. This natural pest control is an important ecosystem service in agriculture.

39. What is the role of decomposition in nutrient cycling?

Decomposition is crucial for nutrient cycling in ecosystems. It breaks down dead organic matter, releasing nutrients that can be reused by living organisms. Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, are key players in this process, facilitating the return of nutrients to the soil and atmosphere.

40. How do ecosystems influence local weather patterns?

Ecosystems can influence local weather patterns through processes like evapotranspiration, which affects humidity and rainfall. Large forests, for example, can create their own microclimates, influencing temperature, wind patterns, and precipitation in the surrounding areas.

41. What is the importance of genetic diversity in ecosystems?

Genetic diversity within species is crucial for ecosystem resilience and adaptation. It provides the raw material for evolution and helps populations adapt to changing environmental conditions. Higher genetic diversity can lead to increased resistance to diseases and better overall ecosystem health.

42. How do ecosystems contribute to soil conservation?

Ecosystems contribute to soil conservation through various mechanisms. Plant roots help hold soil in place, preventing erosion. Leaf litter and other organic matter improve soil structure and water retention. Soil organisms enhance soil fertility and structure. These processes are crucial for maintaining healthy, productive soils.

43. What is the role of pollinators in ecosystems?

Pollinators play a crucial role in ecosystems by facilitating plant reproduction. They transfer pollen between flowers, enabling fertilization and seed production. This process is essential for maintaining plant biodiversity and ecosystem productivity, and it directly impacts food production for humans and wildlife.

44. How do aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems differ in their energy flow?

While both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems rely on energy from the sun, they differ in how this energy is captured and transferred. In terrestrial ecosystems, plants are the primary producers. In aquatic ecosystems, both plants and phytoplankton serve as primary producers, with phytoplankton being particularly important in open water environments.

45. How do ecosystems contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

Ecosystems play a vital role in the nitrogen cycle through processes like nitrogen fixation (by certain bacteria and legumes), nitrification (conversion of ammonia to nitrates), denitrification (conversion of nitrates back to atmospheric nitrogen), and decomposition of organic matter. These processes make nitrogen available to plants and other organisms.

46. What is the importance of wetlands in ecosystems?

Wetlands are crucial ecosystems that provide numerous services. They act as natural water filters, removing pollutants and excess nutrients. They serve as habitats for diverse species, including many endangered ones. Wetlands also play a role in flood control, carbon sequestration, and shoreline stabilization.

47. How do ecosystems influence the phosphorus cycle?

Ecosystems influence the phosphorus cycle through processes like weathering of rocks (which releases phosphorus), uptake by plants, transfer through food chains, and decomposition. Unlike nitrogen, phosphorus doesn't have a gaseous phase in its cycle, making it often a limiting nutrient in ecosystems.

48. What is the role of keystone species in maintaining biodiversity?

Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by having a disproportionate effect on their ecosystem relative to their abundance. They often control population levels of other species, either through predation or competition. The loss of a keystone species can lead to dramatic shifts in ecosystem structure and biodiversity.

49. How do ecosystems contribute to air quality regulation?

Ecosystems, particularly forests and other vegetation, contribute to air quality regulation by filtering air pollutants, producing oxygen through photosynthesis, and sequestering carbon dioxide. Urban green spaces can significantly improve local air quality by reducing particulate matter and other pollutants.

50. How do ecosystems influence the sulfur cycle?

Ecosystems influence the sulfur cycle through various processes. Plants and microorganisms assimilate sulfur from the soil and water. Decomposition of organic matter releases sulfur compounds. Some bacteria carry out sulfur reduction and oxidation. Human activities, like burning fossil fuels, can significantly alter the natural sulfur cycle in ecosystems.

51. What is the role of ecosystem engineers?

Ecosystem engineers are organisms that directly or indirectly modulate the availability of resources to other species by causing physical state changes in biotic or abiotic materials. Examples include beavers creating dams, earthworms altering soil structure, or trees providing habitat. They play a crucial role in shaping ecosystem structure and function.

52. How do ecosystems contribute to water purification?

Ecosystems contribute to water purification through various processes. Wetlands and riparian zones filter out pollutants and excess nutrients. Soil microorganisms break down contaminants. Plants uptake nutrients that might otherwise pollute water bodies. These natural processes are often mimicked in constructed wetlands for water treatment.

53. What is the importance of trophic cascades in ecosystems?

Trophic cascades occur when predators in a food web suppress the abundance or alter the behavior of their prey, which in turn affects the next lower trophic level. This can have far-reaching effects on ecosystem structure and function. Understanding trophic cascades is crucial for ecosystem management and conservation efforts.

54. How do ecosystems contribute to climate change mitigation?

Ecosystems play a vital role in climate change mitigation primarily through carbon sequestration. Forests, grasslands, and wetlands act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. Additionally, healthy ecosystems can enhance resilience to climate-related impacts like floods and droughts.

55. What is the concept of ecosystem services valuation?

Ecosystem services valuation is the process of assessing the economic value of services provided by ecosystems. This includes direct use values (e.g., food production), indirect use values (e.g., flood control), and non-use values (e.g., existence value of species). It's a tool for integrating ecosystem considerations into decision-making and policy development.