Describe the components of an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature consisting of biotic and abiotic factors where the living organisms interact among themselves and with the physical environment. The ecosystem consists of two components: - Abiotic Components: - Inorganic substances e.g., phosphorus, Sulphur, carbon, nitrogen hydrogen, etc. Organic substances e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, lipids. Climatic regime e.g., light, humidity, rainfall, temperature. Biotic Components: - Producers: - The organisms which produce food for themselves and all living organisms from inorganic raw material and solar radiation are called producers. Consumers: - These are living heterotrophic members of the ecosystem that consume the food synthesized lay producers. They are broadly classified as: Primary Consumers: - They are directly dependent on producers called herbivores. Example: - Rat, deer, cow, goat. Secondary Consumers: - The organisms that use primary consumers as their food are called carnivores. Example: - Fox cats, lions. Tertiary Consumers: - These are top carnivores that prey upon other carnivores and herbivores. Example: - Crow, man. Decomposers: - Organisms that break up the dead bodies of plants, animals, and related waste products are called decomposers. Example: - Bacteria, Fungi etc.
