3. How Ecosystems Work
Ecosystems are dynamic systems characterized by interactions among living organisms and between them and the physical environment. Energy flows unidirectionally through producers, consumers, and decomposers while nutrients cycle through various biogeochemical processes. Understanding energy flow, trophic levels, food chains, and the impact of human activities is essential for promoting ecosystem stability and conservation.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Ecosystems function through energy flow and nutrient cycling.
- Trophic levels illustrate the hierarchical structure of feeding relationships.
- Human activities significantly impact ecosystem stability and biodiversity.
Key Concepts
- -- Energy Flow
- The transfer of energy from the sun to producers and then through various consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem.
- -- Trophic Levels
- The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem that categorize organisms based on their feeding relationships.
- -- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Natural cycles in which nutrients and other elements move through the environment and living organisms.
- -- Ecological Succession
- The gradual process of change in species composition of an ecosystem over time.
- -- Ecosystem Stability
- The ability of an ecosystem to maintain balance and recover from disturbances.
- -- Conservation
- Practices aimed at protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainable use of resources.
Additional Learning Materials
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