Introduction to
Ecosystems
Ecosystems are dynamic, interconnected systems where living
organisms interact with their physical environment. They are the
fundamental units of nature, where energy, nutrients, and species coexist
in a delicate balance. Understanding the components and processes that
govern ecosystems is crucial for maintaining the health and sustainability
of our planet.
by Jatin Dhami
Components of an Ecosystem
Biotic Components Abiotic Components Interactions
The living organisms, The non-living physical The complex web of
including producers and chemical factors, such relationships between
(plants), consumers as air, water, soil, sunlight, biotic and abiotic
(animals), and and nutrients. components, such as
decomposers (fungi, predation, competition,
bacteria). symbiosis, and nutrient
cycling.
Biotic and Abiotic Factors
1 Biotic Factors 2 Abiotic Factors
Living organisms, such as plants, Non-living physical and chemical
animals, fungi, and microorganisms, components, including temperature,
and their interactions. precipitation, soil, and sunlight.
3 Interdependence
Biotic and abiotic factors are closely linked, as changes in one can significantly
impact the other.
Energy Flow in Ecosystems
1 Primary Producers
Organisms that convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into chemical
energy through photosynthesis, forming the foundation of the ecosystem's
food chain.
2 Consumers
Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms, either directly
(herbivores) or indirectly (carnivores and omnivores).
3 Decomposers
Organisms that break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back
into the ecosystem for reuse by producers.
Nutrient Cycling
Uptake Consumption Decomposition
Producers absorb and Consumers obtain Decomposers break
incorporate nutrients from nutrients by eating down organic matter,
the environment into their producers or other releasing nutrients back
tissues. consumers. into the soil or water for
reuse by producers.
Ecological Succession
Pioneer Species 1
The first species to colonize a
new or disturbed environment,
often hardy and adaptable. 2 Intermediate Species
Species that establish themselves
as the ecosystem matures,
Climax Community 3 gradually replacing the pioneer
The final, stable stage of species.
succession, where a diverse and
complex ecosystem is established.
Ecosystem Services
Provisioning Regulating Cultural
The products obtained The benefits obtained from The non-material benefits
from ecosystems, such as the regulation of people obtain from
food, water, timber, and ecosystem processes, ecosystems, such as
medicine. such as climate, water, recreation, spiritual, and
and disease control. aesthetic experiences.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
1 Interconnectedness 2 Sustainability
Ecosystems are complex, dynamic Maintaining the delicate balance of
systems where all components are ecosystems is crucial for the long-
interconnected and interdependent. term health and sustainability of our
planet.
3 Conservation
Understanding and protecting ecosystems is essential for preserving biodiversity and
the valuable services they provide.
