Question

Describe the components of an ecosystem.

Answer 1

There are two major components of ecosystem:

1. Biotic Component

2. Abiotic Component

BIOTIC COMPONENT: It's living component of the ecosystem that further consists of following a) Decomposers: There are microscopic organisms that Break complex organic matter into simple inorganic matter They help in nutrient recycling and maintain biogeochemical cycles. They also clear the environment.

b) Producers: They are the organisms that produce food using some source of energy. Plants are most common example in this group as they contain photosynthetic pigments to trap sunlight & manufacture carbohydrates. All animals are dependent on theM to get their food.

b) Consumers: There organisms consume food from surroundings through a food chain They can be Herbivore ( Plant eating), Carnivores( flesh eating) or omnivore ( Plant and flesh eating) they occupy different trophic levels in a foodchain.

ABIOTIC COMPO NENTS: They are non living components of an ecosystem & consists of following:

a) Air : It's in form of atmosphere & has various gases a mixture. Most abundant gas is nitrogen that is fixedby plants using different fixation methods. Oxygen is respiratory gas for majority of the organisms & is essential for their survival

b) Water: Majority of the organism body is made of water and forms a major component for all reactions occuring in body.

c) Sunlight: It determines p notoperiod that is deCiding factor for plant germination & flowering. It is also required for photosy nthesis.

d) Soil: Topography, composition, type of soil determines the biotic components surviving in that environment.