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Ecosystem and it's Structure

 An ecosystem is the basic functional unit of ecology in which the living organisms interact with each other and also with their surrounding environment. 


The term “Ecosystem” was first introduced in 1935 by A.G.Tansley.


Structure of the Ecosystem

Ecosystem is an open system allowing the flow of energy and components  throughout its boundaries. 

The structure of an ecosystem contains:

 1. Biotic components. 

 2. Abiotic components


1. Biotic Components

Biotic components include all the living components in an ecosystem. 

The biotic components are further into following categories on the basis of their nutrition 

A. Autotrophs (Producers), 

B. Heterotrophs (Consumers)

C  Saprotrophs (decomposers)


A.Producers/autotrophs/Converters/Transducers:


Which can produce food through the process of photosynthesis using sunlight.

Include: plants and phytoplanktons.


B.Consumers/ heterotrophs

Organisms that depend on other organisms for food. 

These are further classified into following categories:

i. Primary consumers or Herbivores

ii. Secondary consumers

iii. Tertiary consumers.

iv. Quaternary Consumers 


i. Herbivores

Also known as primary consumers 

Organisms that depend on producers for food. eg. Goat, cow etc. 


ii. Secondary Consumers

Secondary consumers depend on primary consumers for food. 

They can be carnivores or omnivores.


iii. Tertiary consumers 

Organisms that depend on secondary consumers for food and can be carnivores or omnivores.


iv. Quaternary consumers

Organisms that depend on Tertiary consumers for food. 

These can also be carnivores or omnivores.

These are usually  present on the top of some food chains. 


C. Decomposers/ saprotrophs

 Organisms that directly thrive on the dead and decaying organic matter such as fungi and bacteria. 

 These help in recycling nutrients are this an  essential component of the ecosystem.


Carnivores: Organisms that eat flesh of other animals


Omnivores: Animals that eat both plant food and animal food.


2. Abiotic Components

These are the non-living component of an ecosystem.  

Mainly include air, water, soil, minerals, sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind, altitude, turbidity, etc. 

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