assignment on ecosystem

ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

An ecosystem is a geographic area where plants, animals, and other organisms, as well as weather and landscapes, work together to form a bubble of life.

Biology, Ecology, Earth Science, Meteorology, Geography, Human Geography, Physical Geography

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An ecosystem is a geographic area where plants , animals , and other organisms , as well as weather and landscape , work together to form a bubble of life. Ecosystems contain biotic or living, parts, as well as a biotic factors , or nonliving parts. Biotic factors include plants , animals , and other organisms . A biotic factors include rocks , temperature , and humidity . Every factor in an ecosystem depends on every other factor, either directly or indirectly. A change in the temperature of an ecosystem will often affect what plants will grow there, for instance. Animals that depend on plants for food and shelter will have to adapt to the changes, move to another ecosystem , or perish . Ecosystems can be very large or very small. Tide pools , the ponds left by the ocean as the tide goes out, are complete, tiny ecosystems . Tide pools contain seaweed , a kind of algae , which uses photosynthesis to create food . Herbivores such as abalone eat the seaweed . Carnivores such as sea stars eat other animals in the tide pool , such as clams or mussels . Tide pools depend on the changing level of ocean water. Some organisms , such as seaweed , thrive in an aquatic environment, when the tide is in and the pool is full. Other organisms , such as hermit crabs , cannot live underwater and depend on the shallow pools left by low tides . In this way, the biotic parts of the ecosystem depend on a biotic factors . The whole surface of Earth is a series of connected ecosystems . Ecosystems are often connected in a larger biome . Biomes are large sections of land, sea, or atmosphere. Forests , ponds , reefs , and tundra are all types of biomes , for example. They're organized very generally, based on the types of plants and animals that live in them. Within each forest , each pond , each reef , or each section of tundra , you'll find many different ecosystems . The biome of the Sahara Desert , for instance, includes a wide variety of ecosystems . The arid climate and hot weather characterize the biome . Within the Sahara are oasis ecosystems , which have date palm trees, freshwater , and animals such as crocodiles . The Sahara also has dune ecosystems , with the changing landscape determined by the wind . Organisms in these ecosystems , such as snakes or scorpions , must be able to survive in sand dunes for long periods of time. The Sahara even includes a marine environment, where the Atlantic Ocean creates cool fogs on the Northwest African coast. Shrubs and animals that feed on small trees, such as goats , live in this Sahara ecosystem . Even similar-sounding biomes could have completely different ecosystems . The biome of the Sahara Desert , for instance, is very different from the biome of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and China. The Gobi is a cold desert , with frequent snowfall and freezing temperatures . Unlike the Sahara, the Gobi has ecosystems based not in sand , but kilometers of bare rock . Some grasses are able to grow in the cold, dry climate . As a result, these Gobi ecosystems have grazing animals such as gazelles and even takhi , an endangered species of wild horse. Even the cold desert ecosystems of the Gobi are distinct from the freezing desert ecosystems of Antarctica. Antarcticas thick ice sheet covers a continent made almost entirely of dry, bare rock . Only a few mosses grow in this desert ecosystem , supporting only a few birds, such as skuas . Threats to Ecosystems For thou sands of years, people have interacted with ecosystems . Many cultures developed around nearby ecosystems . Many Native American tribes of North Americas Great Plains developed a complex lifestyle based on the native plants and animals of plains ecosystems , for instance. Bison , a large grazing animal native to the Great Plains , became the most important biotic factor in many Plains Indians cultures , such as the Lakota or Kiowa . Bison are sometimes mistakenly called buffalo. These tribes used buffalo hides for shelter and clothing, buffalo meat for food , and buffalo horn for tools. The tallgrass prairie of the Great Plains supported bison herds , which tribes followed throughout the year.

As human populations have grown, however, people have overtaken many ecosystems . The tall grass prairie of the Great Plains , for instance, became farmland . As the ecosystem shrunk, fewer bison could survive . Today, a few herds survive in protected ecosystems such as Yellowstone National Park. In the tropical rain forest ecosystems surrounding the Amazon River in South America, a similar situation is taking place. The Amazon rain forest includes hundreds of ecosystems , including canopies, understories, and forest floors. These ecosystems support vast food webs . Canopies are ecosystems at the top of the rainforest , where tall, thin trees such as figs grow in search of sunlight. Canopy ecosystems also include other plants , called epiphytes , which grow directly on branches. Understory ecosystems exist under the canopy . They are darker and more humid than canopies. Animals such as monkeys live in understory ecosystems , eating fruits from trees as well as smaller animals like beetles. Forest floor ecosystems support a wide variety of flowers , which are fed on by insects like butterflies. Butterflies, in turn, provide food for animals such as spiders in forest floor ecosystems . Human activity threatens all these rain forest ecosystems in the Amazon. Thou sands of acres of land are cleared for farmland , housing, and industry . Countries of the Amazon rain forest , such as Brazil, Venezuela, and Ecuador, are underdeveloped. Cutting down trees to make room for crops such as soy and corn benefits many poor farmers. These resources give them a reliable source of income and food . Children may be able to attend school, and families are able to afford better health care . However, the destruction of rain forest ecosystems has its costs. Many modern medicines have been developed from rain forest plants . Curare , a muscle relaxant, and quinine , used to treat malaria , are just two of these medicines . Many scientists worry that destroying the rain forest ecosystem may prevent more medicines from being developed. The rain forest ecosystems also make poor farmland . Unlike the rich soils of the Great Plains , where people destroyed the tall grass prairie ecosystem , Amazon rain forest soil is thin and has few nutrients . Only a few seasons of crops may grow before all the nutrients are absorbed. The farmer or agribusiness must move on to the next patch of land, leaving an empty ecosystem behind. Rebounding Ecosystems Ecosystems can recover from destruction , however. The delicate coral reef ecosystems in the South Pacific are at risk due to rising ocean temperatures and decreased salinity . Corals bleach, or lose their bright colors, in water that is too warm. They die in water that isnt salty enough. Without the reef structure, the ecosystem collapses. Organisms such as algae , plants such as seagrass , and animals such as fish, snakes , and shrimp disappear. Most coral reef ecosystems will bounce back from collapse. As ocean temperature cools and retains more salt, the brightly colored corals return. Slowly, they build reefs . Algae , plants , and animals also return. Individual people, cultures , and governments are working to preserve ecosystems that are important to them. The government of Ecuador, for instance, recognizes ecosystem rights in the countrys constitution . The so-called Rights of Nature says Nature or Pachamama [Earth], where life is reproduced and exists, has the right to exist, persist , maintain and regenerate its vital cycles, structure, functions and its processes in evolution . Every person, people, community or nationality, will be able to demand the recognitions of rights for nature before the public bodies. Ecuador is home not only to rain forest ecosystems , but also river ecosystems and the remarkable ecosystems on the Galapagos Islands .

Bactrian and Dromedary Different desert ecosystems support different species of camels. The dromedary camel is tall and fast, with long legs. It is native to the hot, dry deserts of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The Bactrian camel has a thicker coat, is shorter, and has more body fat than the dromedary. The Bactrian camel is native to the cold desert steppes of Central Asia. It is easy to tell the two types of camels apart: Dromedaries have one hump, Bactrians have two.

Coral Triangle The most diverse ecosystem in the world is the huge Coral Triangle in Southeast Asia. The Coral Triangle stretches from the Philippines in the north to the Solomon Islands in the east to the islands of Indonesia and Papua in the west.

Ecocide The destruction of entire ecosystems by human beings has been called ecocide, or murder of the environment.

Human Ecosystem "Human ecosystem" is the term scientists use to study the way people interact with their ecosystems. The study of human ecosystems considers geography, ecology, technology, economics, politics, and history. The study of urban ecosystems focuses on cities and suburbs.

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What is an Ecosystem?

An ecosystem is the basic functional unit of an environment where organisms interact with each other (living and nonliving), both necessary for the maintenance of life on earth. It includes plants, animals, microorganisms, and all other living things along with their nonliving environment, which includes soil, land, air, water, dust, and other parts of nature. 

If ecology has to be studied in detail, the basic unit starts from the Ecosystem. The study of the Ecosystem deals with how organisms living together interact with each other and how energy flows through the chain of organisms in the Ecosystem. It also studies how an organism lives in a relationship that is harmful or benefitted by one another to live in a sustainable manner. 

It is seen in nature that the Ecosystem can be as large or  small. It depends on the number of abiotic components available in the environment. The ecosystem in the north or south poles does not have much flora and fauna as compared to a tropical climate like a forest due to the extreme climate the animals are subjected to. Only organisms that are resistant to such an environment will be able to make up the Ecosystem. Overall, it is understood that different ecosystems combined would make up the biosphere.

Types of Ecosystem

In ecology, ecosystems are classified into different types based on the region or on the basis of the environment like land or water. It can also be grouped based on the amount of energy the Ecosystem consumes.

 Classification in basic ecosystem are :

1. Terrestrial Ecosystem

2. Aquatic Ecosystem

All other types will fall on either of these ecosystems and hence can be subcategorized into different types. 

Terrestrial Ecosystem

These ecosystems can only be found on land. Different landforms will have different ecosystems based on the climate, temperature, types of organisms residing, the food chain, energy flow, and other factors. This Ecosystem has a relative scarcity of water percentage than the aquatic Ecosystem, and also there is better availability of sunlight as the major source of energy. Types of terrestrial ecosystems are: 

Forest Ecosystem: These ecosystems are a densely packed environment of various flora and fauna. It has the highest number of organisms living per square km. It is important to conserve this ecosystem as many rare species of the earth are found here. Most of the oxygen in the world is supplied by the forests.

Desert Ecosystem: Deserts are defined as ecosystems that receive rainfall of less than 25cm indicating extreme climate. Even in harsh temperatures, there are organisms that have resistance towards high temperatures and plants that require very little water to survive, having modified their leaves and stem to conserve water. Camels, rattlesnakes, and cacti are a few examples. 

Mountain Ecosystem: Mountains are regions of high altitude above sea level with scattered vegetation. It also has an extreme climate, and animals of these regions have developed thick fur on the skin to survive the cold climate.

Grassland Ecosystem: It mainly includes shrubs, herbs, and few trees which are not as dense as the forests. These basically include grazing animals, insectivores, herbivores. The temperatures are not too extreme in these ecosystems. There are two main forms: The savannas and prairies. The savannas are the tropical grasslands. It dries seasonally with many predators and grazers. The prairies are temperate grassland, which lack large shrubs and trees.

Aquatic Ecosystem

The aquatic ecosystem consists mainly of animals and organisms that stay in the water bodies, such as lakes, oceans and seas. Amphibians, fish, sea creatures all come under this ecosystem. Since water is in abundance, organisms survive using the oxygen dissolved in water. This ecosystem is much larger than the terrestrial ecosystem as it acquires a greater part of the earth. The two types of aquatic ecosystems are: 

Marine Ecosystem: It includes all the oceans and seas and constitutes about 71% of the earth’s surface. About 97% of the water on earth falls under this category. Sharks, whales, dolphins, seals, walrus, and many more come under this ecosystem.

Freshwater Ecosystem: It includes all the rivers, lakes, ponds, and water bodies that are not salted. This accounts for 0.8% of earth’s water and 0.009% of total water present on earth. There are three types of this ecosystem lotic system where the water is fast-moving, e.g., rivers. The lentic system where the water remains stagnant, e.g., ponds and lakes. The wetlands where the soil remains saturated for most of the time period.

Structure of the Ecosystem

The structure of an ecosystem refers to the explanation of living beings and the physical features of the environment in which the organisms live. 

Components of the Ecosystem 

The ecosystem has two components associated with it mentioned below: 

1. Abiotic component 

2. Biotic component

Abiotic Component

This basically involves inorganic minerals, calcium, phosphorus & iron. It also includes soil, water, land & solar radiation. It is further divided into climatic factors and edaphic factors which include rain, light, temperature, and wind, soil, pH, minerals, and topography.

Biotic Component

The biotic component consists of all the living organisms in the ecosystem. It can be classified as Autotrophic organisms that produce their own food and heterotrophic organisms which depend on other organisms for food. This classification is based on nutritional requirements of the organism. 

Producers: These are the organisms in the ecosystem that generate the food and energy with the help of sunlight, oxygen, and all other abiotic components. The main producers of the ecosystem are the plants.

Consumers: These are the organisms that take their nutrition from the food that is made by the producers. 

Primary Consumers: These organisms feed directly from the producers. They are herbivorous animals like deer, rabbit, cow, buffalo, and giraffes.

Secondary Consumers: These organisms feed on the primary consumers for their nutrition. These are carnivorous and omnivorous animals like crows, dogs, cats, snakes.

Tertiary Consumers: These organisms feed on secondary consumers. These are only carnivores where they only consume meat usually by preying on prey. Eg., lion, tiger, cheetah

Quaternary Consumers: These organisms feed on the tertiary consumers for their nutrition. Eg; Eagle, which consumes a snake that consumes a frog that consumes a fly.

Decomposers

These organisms break down dead matter and gain their nutrition, and the decomposed material returns back to the land, which will again be utilized by the producers to produce more food.

The Function of the Ecosystem 

The primary function of any ecosystem is the exchange of energy from one life form to others, which eventually runs in a circle and sustains the entire life of the planet. Without the ecosystems maintaining balance, there would not have been any life form existing on earth.

Important Ecological Concepts

The study of the Ecosystem involves understanding energy flow in the Ecosystem, the various relationships between two organisms, following commensalism, parasitism, mutualism, predation, and various symbiotic relationships exist in an ecosystem. Biogeochemical cycles and limiting factor complexes, the evolution of ecosystems, and the science of population in ecosystems are various important ecological concepts that come under the study of ecology.

 Ecosystem

Ecosystem can be defined as the main functional unit that exists in an environment where there is an intersection between all the organisms that are living in the environment which is required for balancing life on earth. Ecosystems are large in structure and have hundreds of animals and plants which live in a balance or it can be something small too. In harsh areas like the North and South poles, ecosystems are simpler in structure and have very few organisms which dwell in such areas. The ecosystems have all the components like plants, animals, microbes and many other living beings which live with non-living components like soil, land, water, air and other components of nature. When we study ecology, we start with studying the ecosystem which deals with the relationships between animals and how the transfer of energy occurs between these animals. We also learn about food chains and food webs. Ecosystems can be either small or large depending on the biotic and abiotic components present in the system. Ecosystems of harsh climate are usually smaller as there are lesser species and abiotic components too whereas the ecosystems of tropical climate will comparatively have a larger number of flora and fauna. We must remember that all the different types of ecosystems form the biosphere.

Some organisms are found in multiple and different ecosystems around the earth which share different relationships with other or similar organisms. There are ecosystems which help species mutually benefit each other be it in getting shelter, protection or food. This relationship is called mutualism. To learn more about the ecosystem, log in or sign up to Vedantu where you can download free notes and revision notes too.

Ecosystem Investigation

An ecosystem is a normal unit consisting of all plants, animals and micro-organisms in an area functioning jointly with all the non-living physical factors of the environment. The aim of this assignment is to focus on ecosystem investigation. Other objectives are observe the ecological balance more accurately, observe the biodiversity and fixing a record of fauna & flora. Other objectives are demonstrate the ability to apply scientific methods to solving problems and demonstrate proper methods of observing and recording scientific data.

Characteristics of Freshwater Mussels

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Essay on Environment for Students and Children

500+ words essay on environment.

Essay on Environment – All living things that live on this earth comes under the environment. Whether they live on land or water they are part of the environment. The environment also includes air, water, sunlight, plants, animals, etc.

Moreover, the earth is considered the only planet in the universe that supports life. The environment can be understood as a blanket that keeps life on the planet sage and sound.

Importance of Environment

We truly cannot understand the real worth of the environment. But we can estimate some of its importance that can help us understand its importance. It plays a vital role in keeping living things healthy in the environment.

Likewise, it maintains the ecological balance that will keep check of life on earth. It provides food, shelter, air, and fulfills all the human needs whether big or small.

Moreover, the entire life support of humans depends wholly on the environmental factors. In addition, it also helps in maintaining various life cycles on earth.

Most importantly, our environment is the source of natural beauty and is necessary for maintaining physical and mental health.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Benefits of the Environment

The environment gives us countless benefits that we can’t repay our entire life. As they are connected with the forest, trees, animals, water, and air. The forest and trees filter the air and absorb harmful gases. Plants purify water, reduce the chances of flood maintain natural balance and many others.

Moreover, the environment keeps a close check on the environment and its functioning, It regulates the vital systems that are essential for the ecosystem. Besides, it maintains the culture and quality of life on earth.

The environment regulates various natural cycles that happen daily. These cycles help in maintaining the natural balance between living things and the environment. Disturbance of these things can ultimately affect the life cycle of humans and other living beings.

The environment has helped us and other living beings to flourish and grow from thousands of years. The environment provides us fertile land, water, air, livestock and many essential things for survival.

Cause of Environmental Degradation

Human activities are the major cause of environmental degradation because most of the activities humans do harm the environment in some way. The activities of humans that causes environmental degradation is pollution, defective environmental policies, chemicals, greenhouse gases, global warming, ozone depletion, etc.

All these affect the environment badly. Besides, these the overuse of natural resources will create a situation in the future there will be no resources for consumption. And the most basic necessity of living air will get so polluted that humans have to use bottled oxygen for breathing.

Above all, increasing human activity is exerting more pressure on the surface of the earth which is causing many disasters in an unnatural form. Also, we are using the natural resources at a pace that within a few years they will vanish from the earth. To conclude, we can say that it is the environment that is keeping us alive. Without the blanket of environment, we won’t be able to survive.

Moreover, the environment’s contribution to life cannot be repaid. Besides, still what the environment has done for us, in return we only have damaged and degraded it.

FAQs about Essay on Environment

Q.1 What is the true meaning of the environment?

A.1 The ecosystem that includes all the plants, animals, birds, reptiles, insects, water bodies, fishes, human beings, trees, microorganisms and many more are part of the environment. Besides, all these constitute the environment.

Q.2 What is the three types of the environment?

A.2 The three types of environment includes the physical, social, and cultural environment. Besides, various scientists have defined different types and numbers of environment.

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• Biology Article

Our Environment

Table of Contents

What is the Environment?

Types of ecosystem, importance of environment, impact of human activities on the environment.

An Environment is everything that is around us, which includes both living and nonliving things such as soil, water, animals and plants, which adapt themselves to their surroundings. It is nature’s gift that helps in nourishing life on Earth.

The environment plays an important role in the existence of life on the planet earth. The word Environment is derived from the French word “Environ” which means “surrounding.” An ecosystem refers to all the living and non-living things present in the environment and it is a foundation of the Biosphere, which determines the health of the entire planet earth.

Ecology and Environmental science are the branches of life science, which mainly deal with the study of organisms and their interactions with other organisms and their environment.

There are two main types of ecosystems . Listed below are the types and examples of the ecosystem.

• Natural ecosystem – It is a naturally produced biological environment found in nature. It includes deserts, forests, grasslands, lakes, mountains, ponds, rivers, oceans, etc.
• Artificial ecosystem – It is an artificial environment which is created and maintained by man. It includes an aquarium, crop fields, gardens, parks, zoo, etc.

The components of the environment are mainly divided into two categories.

• Biotic environment–It includes all living organisms such as animals, birds, forests, insects, reptiles and microorganisms like algae, bacteria, fungus, viruses, etc.
• Abiotic environment– It includes all non-living components such as air, cloud, dust, land, mountains, rivers, temperature, humidity, water, water vapour, sand, etc.

Also refer:  Biotic and Abiotic components

Environment plays an important role in healthy living and the existence of life on planet earth. Earth is a home for different living species and we all are dependent on the environment for food, air, water, and other needs. Therefore, it is important for every individual to save and protect our environment.

There are different types of human activities which are directly attributed to the environmental disasters, which include- acid rain, acidification of oceans, change in the climate , deforestation, depletion of an ozone layer, disposal of hazardous wastes, global warming, overpopulation, pollution, etc.

Also read:  Environmental Issues and Solutions

Important Questions

• What is a Natural Ecosystem?
• Why is the ecosystem important?
• Why should we conserve biodiversity short answer?

This was a brief introduction to Our Environment. Stay tuned with BYJU’S to learn more about Environment, Environmental Issues, Ecosystem, Components of the Environment and other related topics at  BYJU’S Biology

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• Biotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Cell Biology
• Cell Signaling
• Diversity in Life Form
• Molecular Biology
• CBSE Class 12 Biology Syllabus
• CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes

Chapter 1: Sexual Reproduction In Flowering Plants

• Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants - Class 10 Notes
• Parts of a Flower and their Functions
• Pollen Grains
• The Structure and Functions of Pistil
• Pollination
• Double Fertilization: Process & Significance
• Post Fertilization
• Apomixis and Polyembryony: Differences, Types, Significance

Chapter 2: Human Reproduction

• NCERT Notes on Human Reproduction Class 12 Chapter 2
• Male Reproductive System - Structure, Organs, Functions
• Female Reproductive System - Diagram, Functions, Organs
• Gametogenesis - Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis
• Menstrual Cycle
• Fertilizations And Implantation
• Embryo Development - Development Process of Fetus
• Parturition And Lactation - Biology Notes Class 12

Chapter 3: Reproductive Health

• Notes on NCERT for Class 12 Biology Chapter 3 Reproductive Health
• Population Stabilization And Birth Control - Class 12
• Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP)
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIS) of Reproductive Health Class 12

Chapter 4: Principles Of Inheritance And Variation

• Principles of Inheritance and Variation CBSE Notes for Chapter 4
• Mendel's Laws of Inheritance | Mendel's Experiments
• Inheritance of One Gene Notes
• Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance
• Linkage And Recombination - Principles Of Inheritance And Variation Class 12 NCERT
• What is Polygenic Inheritance?
• Pleiotropy - An Overview and Related Disorders
• Sex Determination
• Pedigree Analysis
• Mendelian Disorder in Human
• Chromosomal Disorders: Principles of Inheritance And Variation Class12

Chapter 5: Molecular Basis Of Inheritance

• Evolution Notes for Class 12 Chapter 6
• Molecular Basis of Inheritance Notes Class 12
• DNA: Structure, Types, and Functions
• Packaging of DNA Helix: Histones & Importance
• Search For Genetic Material - Molecular Basis Of Inheritance
• Difference Between DNA and RNA
• RNA - Definition, Structure, Types and Functions
• DNA Replication
• The Experimental Proof Of DNA Replication
• Transcription of DNA
• Genetic Code - Molecular Basis of Inheritance
• Genetic Code And Mutations
• tRNA - the Adapter Molecule
• RNA Translation
• Human Genome Project
• What is DNA Fingerprinting?

Chapter 6: Evolution

• Origin of Life
• Evolution Of Life Forms – A Theory
• What is Adaptive Radiation?
• Hardy-Weinberg Principle
• Evolution Of Humans - History, Stages, Characteristics, FAQs

Chapter 7: Human Health and Disease

• NCERT Notes on Class 12 Biology Chapter 7 - Human Health and Disease
• Common Diseases In Humans
• Immunity - Definition, Types and Vaccination
• Innate And Acquired Immunity
• What are HIV and AIDS?
• Difference Between Vaccination And Immunization
• What is Cancer? Introduction, Types, Stages, Treatment
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Control
• Adolescence and Drug Abuse
• Addiction And Dependence

Chapter 8: Microbes In Human Welfare

• Microbes in Human Welfare Notes
• Microbes In Human Welfare
• Biofertilizers

Chapter 9: Biotechnology _ Principles And Processes

• NCERT Notes Biology Class 12 Chapter 9 Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
• Restriction Enzymes
• Competent Host in Recombinant DNA
• Recombinant DNA Technology

Chapter 10: Biotechnology and Its Application

• CBSE Class 12 Biology Biotechnology And Its Application Revision Notes
• Application of Biotechnology
• Genetically Engineered Insulin
• Biotechnology And Its Application- Gene Therapy
• Molecular Diagnosis
• Transgenic Animals Notes - Biotechnology And Its Application
• Ethical Issues Related to Genetically Modified Organisms

Chapter 11: Organisms And Populations

• Organism and Population Notes Class 12 Biology Chapter 11
• Responses To Abiotic Factors - Organisms And Populations
• What is Adaptation?
• Population Attributes - Overview Notes- Class 12
• Population Growth - CBSE Class 12
• Population Interactions
• What Is Parasitism? Definition, Types and Examples
• Commensalism

Chapter 12: Ecosystem

• Ecosystem Notes Class 12 Biology Chapter 12

What is Ecosystem? Definition, Structure, Types, and Functions

• Energy Flow of Ecosystem
• Ecological Pyramid - Definition, Types, Importance, Limitations
• Ecological Succession - Definition, Types, Characteristics, Causes
• What is Nutrient Cycling?
• Carbon Cycle
• Phosphorus Cycle
• Types of Ecosystem Services - CBSE Class 12- Ecosystem

Chapter 13: Biodiversity and Its Conservation

• Biodiversity and Conservation Notes Class 12 Chapter 13
• How Many Species Are There On Earth And How Many In India?
• Pattern of Biodiversity
• In-Situ and Ex-Situ Conservation of Biodiversity

NCERT Solutions

• NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 12 Biology
• Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants NCERT Solutions
• Human Reproduction Class 12 Biology NCERT Solution
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 3 Reproductive Health
• NCERT Solutions Class 12 Biology Chapter 4 Principles of Inheritance and Variation
• NCERT Solutions Class 12 Biology Chapter 5 Molecular Basis of Inheritance
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 6 Evolution
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 7 Human Health and Disease
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 8
• NCERT Solutions Class-12 Chapter 9 Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 10 Biotechnology and Its Applications
• CBSE Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 11 Organisms and Populations
• CBSE Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 13 Biodiversity and Conservation

The ecosystem term was first coined by an ecologist Arthur Tansley in 1935. The ecosystem is a balance or equilibrium between living and non-living factors of the ecosystem where they tend to interact with each other. All living things, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, depend on non-living substances to survive and maintain the equilibrium of the natural environment.

This relationship between the living and nonliving elements is studied by the study of ecosystems. In this article, we will discuss ecosystem structure, function, and types of ecosystems.

Table of Content

What is an Ecosystem?

Structure of ecosystem, functions of ecosystem, types of ecosystem, functional units of ecosystem, ecosystem diversity, concepts of ecosystem.

Ecosystem Definition: An ecosystem can be defined as a unit of ecological studies that includes all the interactions between living organisms with their surrounding non-living environment.

In the word “ecosystem”, “eco” means environment, and “system,” refers to connected processes or elements. Ecosystems are made up of both biotic (or alive) and abiotic (or nonliving) components. It is a biological community where living and non-living components of the planet interact with each other. Ecosystem varies in the size and number of organisms they consist of. When the ecosystem is land-based it is called a terrestrial ecosystem and when it is water-based it is called an aquatic ecosystem.

The structure of an ecosystem is made of two main components: biotic and abiotic components. The biotic component interacts with the abiotic components to maintain the flow of energy. The energy is distributed in the environment. The ecosystem includes 2 main components for a working ecosystem:

• Biotic Component
• Abiotic Component

Also Read: Ecosystem and Its Component

Biotic Components

Plants, animals, microorganisms, aquatic plants, and all other living creatures are the biotic components of the ecosystem. These biotic components can be classified into:

• Producers: All autotrophs like plants, phytoplankton, etc. that can produce their food using sources like sun, water, carbon dioxide, or any other chemical elements belong to this category.
• Primary consumers: All herbivores that directly depend on plants, such as cows, goats, rabbits, and sheep, are considered primary consumers.
• Secondary consumers: All that depend on primary consumers for food are considered secondary consumers. The secondary consumer can be omnivores or carnivores . 
• Tertiary consumers: All animals that depend on secondary-level organisms for their food are known as tertiary consumers. 
• Quaternary consumer : Those animals that depend on the tertiary level organism for their food and are known as the quaternary consumer. This level is present in some food chains only.
• Decomposers: All microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi , that depend on decaying and dead matter for food fall under this category. It contributes to environmental cleanup and ecosystem nutrient recycling. These nutrients support plant development and subsequently ecosystem maintenance.

Abiotic Components

It involves all the non-living things present in the environment. Some of the abiotic components are sun, soil, water, minerals, climate, rocks, temperature, and humidity. These components’ functioning together enables the ecosystem’s energy and nutrition cycles. The sun’s rays are the primary energy source. An ecosystem’s temperature changes have an impact on the types of plants that may flourish there. The availability of nutrients and soil nature determines the type and abundance of vegetation in an area. All the abiotic factors are essential factors that determine the number and type of organisms present in a region.

Following are some of the functions of the ecosystem ;

• It regulates different life processes.
• The various components of an ecosystem are designed in a manner to support the life systems.
• It regulates various types of nutrient cycles.
• It maintains the balance of energy flow between various levels of the ecosystem.
• It regulates the cycling of nutrients between abiotic and biotic factors.

An ecosystem can be small or large. There are 2 types of ecosystem :

Aquatic Ecosystem

Terrestrial ecosystem.

Oceans, rivers, seas, lakes, springs, and other water bodies are aquatic biomes. The bulk of the earth’s surface is covered by the water. Two-thirds of the earth’s surface is made up of oceans, seas, the intertidal zone, reefs, the seabed, and rock pools. This ecosystem includes plants, fishes, amphibians, coral reefs, huge sea creatures, and insects.

There are 2 types of aquatic ecosystem:

• Freshwater Ecosystem
• Marine Ecosystem

Freshwater Ecosystems

A freshwater ecosystem has low salinity levels, providing a good environment for a variety of plants and animals. The sizes of freshwater resources range from small ponds to very large rivers. Freshwater resources vary from one another in terms of how they travel. While some freshwater bodies are constantly moving, like rivers, others remain still, like ponds.

Freshwater Ecosystem Types: Based on the region, the three main categories of the freshwater environment are the lotic, lentic, and wetland freshwater ecosystems.

• Lotic: In a lotic freshwater ecosystem, the water bodies travel in one direction. Numerous rivers and streams start at their sources and meet rivers or oceans at their mouths as they travel toward their destinations. 
• Lentic: All non-flowing (still) waterways, such as ponds, swamps, bogs, lagoons, and lakes are lentic ecosystems. Due to the saturation of the underlying land, water will temporarily remain on the earth’s surface. They are closed structures that keep the water still. Because every lentic system has multiple areas with different biological environments, animals, and plants in that system behave and adapt in different ways. 
• Wetlands: Wetlands contain water and are home to vascular plants. Wetland environments are more often known as marshes, swamps, and bogs. Because soil and water are so close together, wetlands are highly productive. The plant species found in wetlands are referred to as hydrophytes since they have adapted to the area’s moist and humid climate. Wetland ecosystems contain hydrophyte plants such as cattails, pond lilies, and sedges. Various amphibians, reptiles, birds, shrimp, shellfish, and other animal species find refuge in wetlands.

Living creatures that live in Freshwater Ecosystems: Fishes, amphibians, reptiles, mosquitoes, dragonflies, bees, wasps, water spiders, ducks, geese, etc.

Marine Ecosystems

Aquatic environments with high levels of dissolved salt are marine ecosystems. These comprise the deep ocean, the open ocean, and the coastal marine ecosystems. Each of these has unique biological and physical properties. The ecosystem’s exposure to the sun, the amount of oxygen and nutrients that are dissolved in the water, the distance from land, the depth, and the temperature are all significant abiotic factors. Marine ecosystems have unique biotic and abiotic characteristics. 

A terrestrial ecosystem refers to an ecosystem of diverse land surfaces. Forests, deserts, grasslands, tundra, and coastal regions are all examples of terrestrial ecosystems. These terrestrial ecosystems are climate-dependent. 

• Forests: A type of terrestrial ecosystems that is covered in trees, creating several canopy layers. A variety of animal species live in dense tree covers and tropical rainforests. Forests are home to about 300 million different plant and animal species. A forest is a type of ecosystem that includes tropical rainforests, plantation forests, and temperate deciduous forests.
• Grasslands: It has a dry environment that permits relatively little vegetation. Primarily, different species of grasses, are what define the grassland ecosystem. In this environment, grass and herbs predominate. The ecosystem of grasslands is significant to the animal kingdom. 
• Tundra: Tundra has extreme environmental conditions like that of the polar region. The location is typically windy, blanketed in snow, and devoid of trees. Its environment is constantly covered in absolutely frozen dirt. Small ponds are formed when the snow melts. Some lichens can flourish in such ponds. 
• Deserts: Deserts are unproductive land surfaces with extreme temperature swings and inadequately maintained species. One of the driest land regions on the globe. A desert receives an extremely small amount of rainfall. Because of this, there is less vegetation. The desert ecosystem’s plants and animals have learned the skill of surviving extreme environments.

The ecosystem’s function is to maintain its various parts working together. It is a natural process of a transfer of energy in different biotic and abiotic elements of the world. Ecosystems maintain all the important ecological processes, including nutrient cycling. Ecosystems have different functional units those are:

• Production: Any ecosystem must have a consistent supply of solar energy to survive and function. Primary production is influenced by the types of plants that live there. Green leaves act as food preparators, while roots draw nutrients from the soil. Herbivores consume the plants, which then provide food for carnivores.  
• Decomposition: Decomposition is the breakdown of complex organic matter by decomposers into inorganic components such as carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients. The decomposers break down garbage and dead organic material. The primary decomposers in many ecosystems are fungi and bacteria.
• Energy flow: Radiant energy from the sun is the primary source of energy in all ecosystems. The ecosystem’s autotrophic, or self-sustaining, creatures utilize the energy of the sun. Plants use the sun’s energy to change carbon dioxide and water into simple, energizing carbohydrates. The more complex chemical substances, like proteins, lipids, and starches are produced by autotrophs.  Energy goes unidirectionally from the sun to producers, herbivores, and carnivores. Decomposers convert the dead autotrophs and heterotrophs into nutrients, which are energy sources for plants.
• Nutrient cycling: Chemical substances known as nutrients are substances that organisms need for growth and the maintenance of life. A vast range of chemical compounds is created when bio-elements interact. The organisms catch them, concentrate and combine them in different ways in their cells, and release them during metabolism and death.

Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of different habitats and communities found in a particular area, along with the various interactions between them. These ecosystems include forests, grasslands, deserts, rivers, and oceans, each supporting a unique array of plants, animals, and microorganisms. The diverse range of ecosystems contributes to the overall health and stability of the environment, providing essential services like air and water purification, soil fertility, and climate regulation. Ecosystem diversity is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, as it ensures the survival of a wide range of species and helps ecosystems adapt to environmental changes. Protecting and conserving ecosystem diversity is essential for preserving the delicate balance of nature and ensuring the well-being of both wildlife and humans.

These are the important concepts under the ecosystem. Those are:

Food Chain and Food Webs

The cycle of energy starts with solar energy. The chain of energy transfer from one level to the topmost level is known as the food chain. Plants absorb solar energy and synthesize their food. Later on, herbivores feed on the plants for energy. Similarly, carnivores and omnivores feed on them for energy. 

The interconnected food chain is known as the food web . In nature mostly food webs are common instead of the food chain.

Also Read: Difference Btetween Food Webs and Food Chain

Ecological Pyramids

These are the graphical representations of the number, energy, and biomass of the trophic level of an ecosystem. Charles Elton postulated the ecological pyramid in 1927. The base of the ecological pyramid denotes the producers of that particular ecosystem. Then it is followed by the consumers and the top decomposers. 

Energy Flow in Ecosystem

The flow of energy in the ecosystem is always in one direction or unidirectional. Even though producers tend to absorb 100% sun’s light energy in their capacity, they only pass on 10% of that energy to the next trophic level and then only 10% of that energy is passed into the next level.

Biogeochemical Cycle

It is also known as the nutrient cycle and includes all the phenomena that ensure that all the basic elements of nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus that are absorbed by living organisms from the environment are returned to the environment. This process involves the transfer of nutrients between abiotic and biotic factors and vice-versa. It includes the carbon cycle , nitrogen cycle, water cycle , phosphorus cycle , etc.

Conclusion – Ecosystem

Ecosystems are the complex webs of life that includes all living organisms and their physical surroundings, working together in harmony. They provide essential services like clean air, water, and food, supporting life on Earth. Understanding and protecting ecosystems is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the well-being of both wildlife and humans. By conserving ecosystems and practicing sustainable living, we can preserve the delicate balance of nature and secure a healthy environment for future generations to thrive in.

Also Read: What are Environment and Ecosystem ? Components And Classification Of Ecosystem What is a Natural Ecosystem? Difference Between Ecosystem and Biome Food Chain and Food Web

FAQs on Ecosystem

What is the ecosystem.

It is an area where both biotic and abiotic interaction takes place, such an area is known as Ecosystem. It can be defined as the interaction between living and non-living components of the environment.

What are the Major Ecosystems?

The major eosystem are; terrestrial or land ecosystem and aquatic or water ecosystems. Terrestrial ecosystems included; forest, grassland, tundra, and desert. Aquatic ecosystem includes; freshwater and marine ecosystems.

What are the main functions of t he E cosystem?

The main functions of the ecosystem are; to maintain the balance of energy flow, to regulate nutrient cycling, to maintain transfer of energy flow between trophic levels, balance among organisms, etc.

What is the Structure of the Ecosystem ?

The structure of ecosystem is characterized by it components i.e. biotic and abiotic components. The biotic components includes all the living organisms, and the abiotic components includes physical factors like water, temperature, nutrients, etc.

Which is the Largest Ecosystem in the world?

The largest ecosystem in the world is the aquatic ecosystem or the water based ecosystem. As water covers almost around 71% of the Earth, and it consists of a huge number of organisms, it is the largest ecosystem.

What are the Functional Components of an Ecosystem?

The functional components of ecosystem involves – Productivity, Decomposition, Energy flow, and Nutrient Cycling.

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Holding the line

Major general john weidner recalls how his time at los alamos shaped his views of deterrence..

By J. Weston Phippen | April 2, 2024

In 2008, Major General John Weidner—then a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army—was stationed at Los Alamos National Laboratory . As a nuclear forensics and countering weapons of mass destruction (WMD) officer, also known as an FA52, Weidner was at Los Alamos to learn from the scientists and engineers who design nuclear weapons.

While at the Lab, Weidner recalls a conversation with a physicist who worked down the hall. “He was complaining about something at Los Alamos, and after several minutes, I interrupted him to ask why, given his frustration, he was still working at the Lab. Without missing a beat, he looked me dead in the eye and said he wanted to be of service to the nation and that working at Los Alamos was the best way he knew how to contribute.”

Weider says this type of patriotism is common across the nuclear security enterprise. “I have no doubt, none whatsoever, that this workforce will create and deliver the capabilities our nation needs to defend itself and our allies,” he says. “My nearly four years at Los Alamos provided me with an understanding of what it takes to create, sustain, and dismantle the nuclear stockpile—an incredible investment. Moreover, working at Los Alamos gave me the technical knowledge and practical experience to be successful in every one of my follow-on assignments.”

Today, Weidner is the chief of staff for the United Nations Command (UNC) and United States Forces Korea (USFK). National Security Science  spoke to Weidner about how his time at Los Alamos informed his current position and helped shape his views on deterrence. 

This conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity. The views expressed are those of Major General Weidner and do not necessarily represent those of the U.S. Department of Defense.

You are stationed at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in South Korea, where you are the UNC and USFK chief of staff. What are your responsibilities?

The primary mission of the UNC is to support and enforce the armistice agreement that ended the hostilities of the Korean War. As the UNC chief of staff, I am the senior U.S. member on the UNC Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC). I provide oversight of the process the UNCMAC uses to determine if an activity by either side violates the armistice agreement.

My other primary duty is to coordinate efforts across our personnel, intelligence, operations, logistics, plans, policy, information technology, and resource directorates within and between both commands.

How has the current geopolitical environment impacted your mission?

Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and other state powers wish to overturn the rules-based international order that has served the free world so well for so long. For example, China is making claims to almost the entire South China Sea. Russia invaded Ukraine in complete disregard of the sovereignty of nations. North Korea is threatening war with the Republic of Korea and the United States. 

China has reportedly constructed more than 300 intercontinental ballistic missile silos in the past few years. Russia claims to have modernized more than 90 percent of its nuclear forces, and North Korea has enshrined nuclear weapons into its constitution and its leader has directed an exponential increase in nuclear warhead production.

For the first time, the United States will be challenged by two near-peer nuclear nations, as well as a third nuclear power that says it is increasing its nuclear capabilities and stockpile size. This is all occurring at a time when our nuclear forces are at their lowest level since the early 1950s, and all legacy nuclear weapons and delivery platforms have long outlived their design lifetimes.

The importance of the U.S. nuclear stockpile is to demonstrate that an adversary cannot escalate its way out of a failing conflict and that efforts to do so would cause its demise. Our nation must communicate and demonstrate this through well-trained, well-equipped conventional and strategic forces every day. 

How do you define deterrence?

Deterrence is the process of convincing someone not to do something . More specifically, it is decisively influencing perceptions regarding the costs and benefits of taking an action and not taking an action to convince someone that restraint is the best course. 

I believe the nature of deterrence endures. The character of deterrence, however, has evolved. For example, there are no widely agreed upon norms for behavior in space or cyberspace, and that is driving us to evolve our approach to strategic deterrence. 

How should the United States best prepare itself for the future?

Russia, China, and North Korea appear to be increasing the role of nuclear weapons in their national security strategies. Moreover, all those countries have used forms of nuclear coercion to obtain their national security objectives. In my opinion, the United States must evolve our nuclear stockpile to convince potential adversaries not to engage in conflict with the United States or our allies. First, we should move away from nuclear weapon life extension programs and begin the design of completely new nuclear weapons purpose-built for the threats, environments, and likely targets of the 21st century. Second, we should complete the planned modernization program of record and in doing so explore and incorporate smart, micro-, and nano-technologies into new nuclear weapon designs that provide real-time measurements that enable nuclear weapons with longer design lifetimes and reduced surveillance costs. These options would plug gaps that an adversary may see in our nuclear capabilities. They would also reassure our allies of our extended deterrence commitments.

A nation can have a reasoned debate on whether to develop a nuclear deterrent, but once the decision is made to develop that capability, there must be no debate on building, growing, and sustaining the capabilities and staff necessary to maintain that stockpile. The nation must also plan for and exercise strategic deterrence while in conventional conflict because the greatest risk of nuclear use will almost certainly stem from a regional conventional war. The conventional fight is unlikely to end with an adversary’s first use of a nuclear weapon. It will continue, and during that fight, the United States and our alliance must continue to deter the adversary from using nuclear weapons. 

How does Los Alamos help in this mission? 

Los Alamos and the other labs, plants, and sites of the National Nuclear Security Administration are foundational to the vision I described. We need to unleash the talent, creativity, ingenuity, and dedication of our workforce on the problem. 

The national labs are helping leaders within the Department of Defense understand the threats we currently and are likely to face in the near-term. The labs can offer options and capabilities at the best possible value. This has been invaluable and educational. For example, the labs have some of the best nuclear weapon effects models. Those models are helping military and civilian leaders understand the outputs and effects of nuclear weapons. 

Speaking of effects, people may not know the Army has nuclear specialists, the FA52s. What is their unique role?

FA52 officers are the primary advisors to senior leaders on the effects of nuclear weapons. We are assigned in various capacities across the Department of Defense, as well as the Department of Energy and the Department of State. Some FA52s also support the intelligence community by providing in-depth analyses and assessments of emerging nuclear threats.

Tell us about your assignment at Los Alamos.

Los Alamos was the longest assignment of my career—nearly four years from fall 2008 to summer 2012—and one of my most enjoyable. I supported weapon physics studies on the W78 warhead and did medical isotope production experiments to complete my PhD. I also helped create an electronic database of U.S. nuclear tests , participated in many national technical nuclear forensic analyses and exercises, and made several cooperative threat reduction trips to the former Soviet nuclear test site at Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan.

I cannot overstate the importance of my assignment at Los Alamos. In my current role, I have been involved in the Nuclear Consultative Group meetings between senior Republic of Korea and U.S. national security members. My Los Alamos experience has informed my discussions with both the Republic of Korea government and military and helped me articulate the outputs and effects of nuclear weapons as well as options to manage the consequences of nuclear use. 

Given the increasing role of nuclear weapons in the nuclear security strategies of North Korea and other countries, how do you see the role of the FA52 evolving?

Among other things, FA52s will play key roles in advising military and civilian leaders about the effects of nuclear weapons and nuclear-related policy. In my experience, most leaders overestimate the effects of nuclear weapons, which may cause them to underestimate the likelihood of adversary nuclear use. 

I believe the most likely scenario for adversary first use of a nuclear weapon is in a conventional conflict they are losing. Should an adversary use a nuclear weapon in that case, the conventional war would continue. Therefore, it is important for U.S. military forces to understand how to operate in and through a nuclear environment created by an adversary. 

That may seem like an obvious statement, but almost all our leaders have lived their entire professional careers in an environment where adversary nuclear use was almost unthinkable. The United States has not been in a conflict where it had to worry about being out-escalated since World War II. 

With that in mind, it’s imperative that the United States and our allies develop a vision for how to go to war against a near-peer adversary. This includes an approach for how to mobilize a nation for war and how to integrate all elements of national power. In this way, our nation and our network of allies and partners will be best prepared to deter conflict and, if necessary, prevail in conflict. FA52s will be central to all of this.  ★

Meet another FA52 here.

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