Definition of Ecosystem: An ecosystem is a community
of living organisms (plants, animals, and microbes) interacting with each other
and their non-living environments including weather, earth, sun, soil, climate,
and atmosphere.
Aspects of Ecosystem: An ecosystem involves two main
components:
- Biotic:
These are the living components, including plants, animals, and microbes
that interact in various ways within the ecosystem.
- Abiotic:
These are the non-living components, like sunlight, temperature, wind
patterns, soil, and water, which influence the living organisms and their
interactions.
Division of Ecosystem: Ecosystems can be divided
based on their nature and the organisms they encompass. The two main types are:
- Terrestrial
Ecosystems: These exist on land and include forests, grasslands,
deserts, and tundra.
- Aquatic
Ecosystems: These exist in water bodies and can be further divided
into freshwater ecosystems (like rivers, lakes, and ponds) and marine
ecosystems (like oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries).
General Characteristics of Ecosystem: Some of the
general characteristics include:
- Interaction:
An ecosystem involves continual interactions between its biotic and abiotic
components.
- Cycling
of Nutrients: In an ecosystem, there is a constant cycling of
nutrients as organisms grow, die, and decompose.
- Energy
Flow: Energy flows through an ecosystem, generally entering as
sunlight and leaving as heat.
- Diversity:
Ecosystems can be highly diverse, with a large number of species
interacting in complex ways.
- Change
Over Time: Ecosystems are dynamic and change over time in response to
natural and human-induced disturbances.
Functions of Ecosystem: Ecosystems provide a range of
services that support life on Earth:
- Supporting
Services: These include nutrient cycling, soil formation, and the
provision of habitat.
- Provisioning
Services: These are the products obtained from ecosystems, such as
food, freshwater, wood, and medicinal plants.
- Regulating
Services: These include climate regulation, flood and disease control,
and water purification.
- Cultural
Services: These are non-material benefits that people obtain from
ecosystems, such as aesthetic inspiration, cultural identity, recreation,
and spiritual experience.
Understanding ecosystems and how they function is crucial
for managing them in a sustainable way, and for conserving biodiversity.