Ecology

Introduction to Ecosystems

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (biotic) interacting with the non-living components (abiotic) of their environment.

Components of an Ecosystem

• **Biotic components**: Include all the living organisms such as producers, consumers, and decomposers.
• **Abiotic components**: Include the non-living parts of the ecosystem such as air, water, soil, sunlight, and minerals.

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

• Energy enters the ecosystem through **photosynthesis**, where producers (such as plants) use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose.
• The energy is then passed on to **consumers** (such as animals) through the food chain.
• **Decomposers** (such as bacteria and fungi) break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the soil, completing the cycle.

Nutrient Cycling

• Nutrients are constantly recycled within an ecosystem through various biogeochemical cycles, such as the **carbon cycle**, **nitrogen cycle**, and **water cycle**.
• These cycles involve the movement of nutrients between the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem.

Biodiversity

• Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in an ecosystem.
• High biodiversity is essential for the stability and resilience of an ecosystem.
• Factors that can affect biodiversity include habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.