Structure and Components of an Ecosystem

Structure and Components of an Ecosystem

• The structure of an ecosystem indicates it's components (species diversity) and their interdependency for growth and survival.

• An ecosystem has two types of components.

1. Abiotic component (non-living).

2. Biotic component (living).

1. Abiotic (Non-Living) Components

• The abiotic components determine the type of organisms can live in specific area. Abiotic components can be physical components or chemical components.

1. Physical Components

• Physical components usually include sunlight, water, soil, temperature etc. These are necessary growth of species.

Examples

• Sunlight - Necessary for photosynthesis.

• Water - Essential for living things.

• Temperature - Necessary for survival.

• Soil - Provides base and nutrients.

2. Chemical Components

• Chemical components provide necessary nutrients to the organism.

Examples : Carbohydrates, proteins, liquids, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and oxygen.

2. Biotic Components

• Biotic components are living organisms of the ecosystem. Biotic component includes- plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and there living organisms.

• The biotic components of an ecosystems can be categorized into three categories, these are

1. Producers or autotrophs.

2. Consumers or heterotrophs.

3. Decomposers or detrivores.

a.  Producers / Autotrophs

• The producers use energy from the sun and like nitrogen and phosphorus from the soil to produce high-energy chemical compounds by the process of photosynthesis.

• The energy from the sun is stored in the molecular structure of the these compounds. Producers are often referred to as being in the first rophic (growth) level and are called autotrophs.

Example : All green plants and algae.

b.  Consumers / Heterotrophs

• Consumers use the energy (food) stored by the producers. Different categories of consumers are : Herbivores, carnivores and omnivores.

• Herbivores or primary consumers are those who eat producers directly.

Examples : Man, elephant, rabbit.

• Carnivores or secondary consumers eat primary consumers (animals).

Examples : Tiger, lion.

• Omnivores eat both producers and animals.

Examples : Fox, frog etc.

c.  Decomposers

• Decomposers are- very important in ecosystem as they are responsible for recycling of nutrients.

• Decomposers attacks on dead producers, animals and animal wastes making them simple stable compound. These compounds can then be used as nutrients by the producers.

Examples : Bacteria and fungi.

Review Questions

1. Define the terms producers, consumers, decomposers and detrivores.

2. Explain the structure of an ecosystem.