Definition of Ecosystem
- The ecosystem is a self-regulatory system with biotic and abiotic components and their interactions in terms of the exchange of energy and matter.
- It refers to physical space occupied by living organisms.
- It is made up of biotic and abiotic components.
- It undertakes the exchange of energy and matters through food chain.
- It is a self-regulatory unit maintaining homo sapiens
Components of Ecosystem
There are two components of the ecosystem abiotic and biotic.
- Abiotic – include energy, rainfall, temperature, atmosphere, materials, latitude and longitude Etc.
- Biotic – are primary producers and consumers.
Functions of an ecosystem
There are 2 function of ecosystem:
- Flow of energy – It is done by the food chain and food web.
- Cycling of Nutrients – It is done by biogeochemical cycle. It is of two types:
- Gaseous cycle – It includes water cycle carbon cycle nitrogen cycle oxygen cycle
- Sedimentary cycle – sulfur cycle and phosphorus cycle
Ecosystem services
There are two types of services provided by ecosystem one is consumptive value and second is non-consumptive values.
- Consumptive value – include oxygen, food, medicine
- Non-consumptive values – include regulating services, Controlling Services, Supporting services and Cultural services
