Ecosystem
Ecosystem#
1. Ecosystem – Structure and Function#
Definition#
An ecosystem is a complex network of living organisms (biotic components) and their physical environment (abiotic components) interacting as a system. It includes all the organisms in a given area, along with the non-living components of the environment, such as air, water, and soil.
Structure of Ecosystems#
- Biotic Components: These include all living organisms, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms at the level.
- Abiotic Components: These include non-living elements like sunlight, temperature, water, soil, and nutrients.
Stratification#
- Definition: Stratification refers to the layering that occurs in an ecosystem, particularly in aquatic and forest ecosystems.
- Examples:
- In forests, strat ification can be seen in the different layers: the forest floor, understory, canopy, and emergent layer.
- In aquatic ecosystems, stratification occurs in the form of different zones: the photic zone (light penetration), aphotic zone (no light), and benthic zone (bottom).
2. Productivity#
Definition#
Productivity in an ecosystem refers to the rate at which energy is converted by photosynthetic and chemosynthetic autotrophs to organic substances. It is typically measured in terms of biomass produced per unit area over a specific time period.
