ECOSYSTEMS Unit 3
(Part 1)
, ECOSYSTEM
An ecosystem refers to a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microbes) interactin
other and their non-living environment (soil, water, air). It forms a unit where energy flows an
cycle. Ecosystems can vary in size and complexity, from a small pond to a large forest.
Structure of Ecosystem
The structure of an ecosystem consists of two major components:
1.Biotic Components (Living):
a. Producers (Autotrophs): Organisms like plants and algae that produce food using sunlight through ph
b. Consumers (Heterotrophs): Animals and organisms that rely on other organisms for food.
1) Primary Consumers: Herbivores that eat producers (plants).
2) Secondary Consumers: Carnivores that eat primary consumers.
3) Tertiary Consumers: Top carnivores that eat secondary consumers.
c. Decomposers (Saprotrophs): Organisms like bacteria and fungi that break down dead organic mate
2.Abiotic Components (Non-living):
1. These include elements like air, water, minerals, temperature, sunlight, and soil. These factors significan
the living components.
,
(Part 1)
, ECOSYSTEM
An ecosystem refers to a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microbes) interactin
other and their non-living environment (soil, water, air). It forms a unit where energy flows an
cycle. Ecosystems can vary in size and complexity, from a small pond to a large forest.
Structure of Ecosystem
The structure of an ecosystem consists of two major components:
1.Biotic Components (Living):
a. Producers (Autotrophs): Organisms like plants and algae that produce food using sunlight through ph
b. Consumers (Heterotrophs): Animals and organisms that rely on other organisms for food.
1) Primary Consumers: Herbivores that eat producers (plants).
2) Secondary Consumers: Carnivores that eat primary consumers.
3) Tertiary Consumers: Top carnivores that eat secondary consumers.
c. Decomposers (Saprotrophs): Organisms like bacteria and fungi that break down dead organic mate
2.Abiotic Components (Non-living):
1. These include elements like air, water, minerals, temperature, sunlight, and soil. These factors significan
the living components.
,
