Unit III: Ecosystem and Biodiversity

Basic concepts of ecosystem; Biotic and abiotic components; Nutrient and energy flow in
ecosystems; Overview of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems; ecosystem services; biodiversity:
treats, conservation and management.

Ecosystem

Definition of ecosystem: An ecosystem includes all living organisms (biotic factors) in a

particular area interacting with the non-living components (abiotic factors) of their
environment. Examples: Forests, deserts, ponds, and grasslands.

Components of an Ecosystem
 Biotic (living) Components: These are the living organisms within the ecosystem,
including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. They interact through processes
like predation, competition, and mutualism.
 Abiotic (non-living) Components: These are the non-living factors that affect living
organisms, such as sunlight, temperature, water, soil, minerals, and atmospheric
gases.

Types of Ecosystems

 Terrestrial Ecosystems: These ecosystems exist on land and are influenced by

temperature, rainfall, altitude, and soil type. Examples include forests, grasslands,
deserts, and tundra.

Types of terrestrial ecosystem:

 Forests: Dense vegetation with high biodiversity (e.g., tropical rainforests,
temperate forests).
 Grasslands: Dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants (e.g., savannas,
prairies).
 Deserts: Arid regions with sparse vegetation and extreme temperatures.
 Tundra: Cold, treeless regions with permafrost.
 Mountains: Ecosystems influenced by altitude and slope.

Key Characteristics of terrestrial ecosystem:

 Limited water availability compared to aquatic ecosystems.
 Vegetation adapted to specific climatic conditions.
 Supports terrestrial animals like mammals, reptiles, and birds.

 Aquatic Ecosystems: These ecosystems are found in water bodies and are influenced
by salinity, depth, and water flow. Examples include lakes, rivers, and wetlands, as
well as marine ecosystems like oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries.

Types of terrestrial ecosystem:

 Freshwater Ecosystems: Rivers and streams (flowing water); lakes and
ponds (still water); and wetlands (marshes, swamps).
  Marine Ecosystems: Oceans (largest ecosystems on Earth); coral reefs (high
biodiversity); and estuaries (mix of freshwater and saltwater).

Key Characteristics of terrestrial ecosystem:

 Water is the dominant medium.
 Home to aquatic organisms like fish, amphibians, and microorganisms.
 Nutrient cycling and energy flow occur through food chains and food webs.

 Artificial Ecosystems: Artificial ecosystems are man-made or human-modified

ecosystems created to mimic natural ecosystems or serve specific purposes, such as
resource production, urban development, or recreational use. Example- urban areas,
agricultural fields, and aquariums.

Importance of artificial ecosystem

 Food and Resource Production: Provide agricultural produce, fish, and other
resources.
 Waste Management: Artificial wetlands treat wastewater efficiently.
 Urban Aesthetics and Recreation: Parks, gardens, and aquariums improve urban
quality of life.
 Habitat Restoration: Rehabilitate degraded lands to support biodiversity.
 Research and Education

Functions of Ecosystems

 Energy Flow: Energy enters ecosystems through sunlight and is transferred through
food chains and webs from producers (plants) to consumers (animals) and
decomposers (bacteria, fungi).
 Nutrient Cycling: Nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus are recycled
within ecosystems through processes like photosynthesis, decomposition, and nutrient
uptake by plants.
 Habitat and Shelter: Ecosystems provide habitats and shelters for organisms,
influencing their distribution and abundance.
 Regulation of Ecosystem Services: Ecosystems regulate essential services like
climate regulation, water purification, and pollination, which benefit human well-
being.
Importance of Ecosystems
 Ecosystems provide essential services and resources for human survival, including
food, clean air and water, medicines, and raw materials.
 They support biodiversity by maintaining habitats and ecosystems that host a variety
of species.
 Ecosystems contribute to cultural, recreational, and aesthetic values, enhancing
quality of life.

Threats to Ecosystems
  Human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation of natural
resources, and climate change threaten the health and stability of ecosystems.
 Loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystem services can have profound impacts
on global ecosystems and human societies.

Ecosystem Services

Definition: Ecosystem services are the benefits humans derive from ecosystems. They
include direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human well-being, supporting life
and livelihoods on Earth.

Types of Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services are categorized into four main types:
i. Provisioning Services: Tangible products obtained from ecosystems. Examples: Crops,
fruits, fish, livestock, freshwater for drinking and irrigation, timber, biofuels, natural
compounds from plants and animals used in pharmaceuticals.
ii. Regulating Services: Benefits obtained from ecosystem processes that regulate
environmental conditions. Examples: like climate regulation by forests and oceans absorb
CO₂, mitigating climate change; water purification by wetlands and forests filter pollutants
from water; pollination by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators assist in crop production;
erosion Control by vegetation stabilizes soil and prevents erosion.
iii. Cultural Services: Non-material benefits people derive from ecosystems.
Examples: Recreation: Hiking, birdwatching, and ecotourism.
Aesthetic Value: Natural landscapes inspire art and culture.
Spiritual and Religious Significance: Many ecosystems hold sacred value.
iv. Supporting Services: Fundamental processes necessary for the production of other
ecosystem services.
Examples:
Nutrient Cycling: Recycling of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
Soil Formation: Weathering of rocks and accumulation of organic matter.
Primary Production: Photosynthesis by plants that supports food chains.
Habitat Provision: Ecosystems provide living spaces for biodiversity.

Importance of Ecosystem Services

 Support for Life: Ecosystems provide oxygen, clean water, food, and shelter
essential for survival.
 Economic Value: Many industries, such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, depend
on ecosystem services.
  Climate Regulation: Ecosystems help stabilize global temperatures and weather
patterns.
 Biodiversity Conservation: Ecosystem services maintain biodiversity, which is
critical for ecosystem stability.
 Health and Well-being: Ecosystems contribute to physical and mental health through
clean air, water, and green spaces.

Threats to Ecosystem Services

 Habitat destruction due to deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture.

 Pollution of air, water, and soil.
 Overexploitation of resources such as overfishing and logging.
 Climate change affecting ecosystems' ability to provide services.
 Loss of biodiversity reducing the efficiency and stability of ecosystems.

Strategies for Sustaining Ecosystem Services

 Conservation Efforts: Protecting natural habitats and biodiversity.

 Sustainable Practices: Promoting responsible agriculture, forestry, and fishing.
 Restoration Projects: Rehabilitating degraded ecosystems like wetlands and forests.
 Policy and Legislation: Enforcing laws to reduce pollution and prevent
overexploitation.
 Public Awareness: Educating people about the importance of ecosystem services.

Ecosystem services are essential for sustaining human life and maintaining the planet’s
ecological balance. Their conservation and sustainable management are crucial for current
and future generations.

Biodiversity: Threats, Conservation, and Management

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing different species, genetic
variations, and ecosystems. It is essential for maintaining ecological balance and providing
ecosystem services.

Threats to Biodiversity

Human activities and natural phenomena threaten biodiversity in multiple ways:

i. Habitat Destruction: Deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture lead to the loss of
natural habitats. Example: Conversion of forests into farmland or urban areas.
ii. Pollution: Air, water, and soil pollution degrade ecosystems, harming species. Example:
Oil spills in oceans impact marine biodiversity.
iii. Climate Change: Rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and extreme weather
disrupt ecosystems. Example: Coral bleaching due to warming oceans.
iv. Overexploitation: Overhunting, overfishing, and overharvesting of natural resources lead
to species decline. Example: Extinction of species like the dodo due to overhunting.
 v. Invasive Species: Non-native species introduced to ecosystems compete with native
species, often displacing them. Example: Water hyacinth choking water bodies.
vi. Disease and Pathogens: Spread of diseases among species can wipe out populations.
Example: Amphibian population decline due to chytrid fungus.
vii. Fragmentation of Habitats: Roads, dams, and urban development split ecosystems into
smaller, isolated patches, reducing species' mobility.

Conservation of Biodiversity
Conservation aims to protect, restore, and sustainably manage biodiversity for the benefit of
all life forms.
i. In-situ Conservation: Protecting species within their natural habitats.
Examples: Protected Areas (National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves);
Sacred Groves (Preserving forests with cultural or spiritual significance).
ii. Ex-situ Conservation: Protecting species outside their natural habitats. Examples: Zoos,
botanical gardens, and aquariums. Seed banks and gene banks to store genetic material.
iii. Community Participation: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts.
Example: Eco-tourism and sustainable resource use.
iv. Restoration Ecology: Rehabilitating degraded ecosystems to support biodiversity.
Example: Reforestation projects.
v. Policy and Legal Frameworks: Enforcing laws and agreements for biodiversity
conservation. Examples: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Wildlife Protection Act
(India, 1972).

Management of Biodiversity

Effective biodiversity management involves planning, monitoring, and sustainable use of

resources.

i. Sustainable Development: Promoting economic growth while conserving natural

resources.
ii. Monitoring and Research: Studying ecosystems and species to understand their needs
and threats.
iii. Awareness and Education: Promoting the importance of biodiversity to the public and
policymakers.
iv. Biodiversity Offsetting: Ensuring that any damage to ecosystems is compensated by
creating or restoring habitats elsewhere.
v. Protected Area Management: Implementing strategies for habitat protection, such as
patrolling and limiting human activities in reserves.
vi. Global Cooperation: International agreements and partnerships to protect biodiversity.

Biodiversity is vital for maintaining the health and stability of ecosystems. Threats like
habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change endanger biodiversity, but through
conservation and sustainable management practices, it is possible to protect and restore it for
future generations.