Ecosystem
The simplest definition of an ecosystem is that it is a community or group of living
organisms that live in and interact with each other in a specific environment.
An ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of ecology where the living
organisms interact with each other and the surrounding environment. In other words,
an ecosystem is a chain of interactions between organisms and their environment.
The term “Ecosystem” was first coined by [Link], an English botanist, in 1935.
1. What is a forest ecosystem?
Forest ecosystems are areas of the landscape that are dominated by trees
and consist of biologically integrated communities of plants, animals and
microbes, together with the local soils (substrates) and atmospheres
(climates) with which they interact.
A forest ecosystem comprises of soil, trees, insects, animals, birds, and man as its
interacting units. It is a large and complex ecosystem. It also plays a significant role
in controlling the water cycle, stabilizing soils, levelling of the climate, and providing a
habitat for wildlife.
2. Grassland Ecosystem is an area where the vegetation is dominated by
grasses and other herbaceous (non-woody) plants. It is also called transitional
landscape because grassland ecosystems are dominated by the grass with
few or no trees in the area where there is not enough for a forest and too
much of a forest.
3. Characteristics of a desert ecosystem?
Arid environment.
Extreme temperatures.
High wind velocity.
Sparsity of cloud cover.
Absence of water vapour in air.
Lizards, Geckos, Toads, Jackrabbits, Camels, Snakes, Spiders, Meerkats.
Plants: Cactus
4. An aquatic ecosystem includes a group of interacting organisms which are
dependent on one another and their water environment for nutrients and
shelter. Examples of aquatic ecosystem include oceans, lakes and rivers.
a) Pond Ecosystem: Abiotic components of pond consists of water, dissolved
minerals, oxygen, carbon dioxide, light, dissolved oxygen. These abiotic
components are the properties of the environment.
The producer in the ecosystem capture light energy and produce energy-rich
compounds (carbohydrates). From the producers, the energy flow in the food chain
in the form of food. The producers are green plants, lichens, and algae.
(b) Rivers and streams, even small ones, are teeming with a vast number of
species, including fish, aquatic invertebrates, and algae. Stream ecology is the study
of those aquatic species, the way they interrelate, and their interactions with all
aspects of these flowing water systems.
(C) What are the characteristics of the lake ecosystem?
High water-holding capacity: Lake deposit soils have a high water-holding capacity
due to the high clay content, which can retain water even in wet periods. Good
fertility: The soil is rich in organic matter which decays and adds nutrients to the soil.
These soils are typically considered to be very fertile.
(D) Estuarine ecosystems. These are areas where both ocean and land
contribute to a unique ecosystem. A basic feature is the instability of an estuary due
to the ebb and flood of the tide. Plant and animal wastes are washed away, sediment
is shifted and fresh and salt water are mixed.
• Fish, shellfish, and migratory birds are just a few of the animals that live in
an estuary. There are also Oyster reefs where oysters, mud crabs, and
small fish may be found.
• Reeds, seagrasses, mangroves, algae, and phytoplankton.
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