How Ecosystem Work Properly

How Ecosystems Work Properly

An ecosystem is a complex network of interactions among living organisms and their physical environment. It is a structural and functional unit of ecology where the living organisms interact with each other and the surrounding environment. The term “Ecosystem” was first coined by A.G.Tansley, an English botanist, in 1935.

Structure of Ecosystems

The structure of an ecosystem is characterized by the organization of both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components. This includes the distribution of energy in our environment and the climatic conditions prevailing in that particular environment.

Biotic Components

Biotic components refer to all living components in an ecosystem. Based on nutrition, biotic components can be categorized into autotrophs (producers), heterotrophs (consumers), and saprotrophs (decomposers).

Producers include all autotrophs such as plants. They are called autotrophs as they can produce food through the process of photosynthesis.

Consumers are organisms that depend on other organisms for food. Consumers are further classified into primary consumers, secondary consumers, tertiary consumers, and quaternary consumers.

Decomposers include saprophytes such as fungi and bacteria. They directly thrive on the dead and decaying organic matter.

Abiotic Components

Abiotic components are the non-living component of an ecosystem. It includes air, water, soil, minerals, sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind, altitude, turbidity, etc.

Functioning of Ecosystems

In ecosystems, both matter and energy are conserved. Energy flows through the system—usually from light to heat—while matter is recycled. Ecosystems with higher biodiversity tend to be more stable with greater resistance and resilience in the face of disturbances or disruptive events.

Importance of Balance

An imbalance in an ecosystem occurs when one or more elements of the ecosystem become dominant, forcing out other elements. For example, if carnivores are eliminated from an ecosystem, then too many herbivores are allowed to grow to maturity and reproduce. The growing number of herbivores deplete the plants, preventing them from reproducing and thus leaving fewer offspring behind.

In conclusion, ecosystems work properly when there is a balance between all its components – biotic and abiotic. This balance ensures the continuance of life and the health of our planet.