Enrol to start learning
Reading is open to everyone. Enrolling is free, and it is what unlocks the audio lessons, practice tests and progress tracking.
4. ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY
Ecosystems comprise communities of organisms and their environment, interacting for sustainable development. The chapter discusses the structure, functions, and components of ecosystems, including biotic and abiotic factors, energy flow models, and ecological succession leading to stable communities. It highlights critical interdependencies in food chains and webs, detailing their roles in maintaining ecological balance.
Sections
Ecosystems consist of interconnected biotic and abiotic components that sustain life through energy flow and nutrient cycles.
An ecosystem consists of both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components.
The flow of energy in an ecosystem is unidirectional and begins with producers, moving through various consumer levels.
Ecological succession involves predictable changes in communities leading to a climax community.
Ecosystem
A self-sustained community of organisms interacting with their environment.
Biotic Components
Living components in an ecosystem categorized as producers, consumers, and decomposers.
Abiotic Components
Non-living chemical and physical factors affecting living organisms.
Energy Flow
The transfer of energy from producers to consumers in a unidirectional manner.
Ecological Succession
The process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.
Food Chain
A linear sequence showing how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another.
Food Web
A complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem.
Ecological Pyramid
Graphical representation of the trophic levels in an ecosystem.
Practice Exercises
Total Questions
2
Estimated Time
4 min
Passing Score
70%
Instructions
- Read each question carefully
- You can use hints if you need help
- Complete all questions before submitting
2 more questions available
Enrol free