Ecology and Ecosystem

Ecology 

• Definition: According to Ernst Haeckel, Ecology is the study of the relation of the animal to its organic and inorganic environment. 

• Example: Bees collect nectar for honey, and in return, help in pollination.

• There are 5 main levels of organization of ecology:

1. Individual

2. Population

3. Community

4. Ecosystem

5. Biosphere

Ecosystem

• Definition: An ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of ecology. It is defined as the system resulting from the integration of all the living and non-living factors of the environment. The term “Ecosystem” was first coined by an English Botanist named A.G Tansley. 

• Example: Grassland ecosystems dominated by grasses where grazing animals, such as cattle, goats, and deer are found

Components of an ecosystem

The components of the ecosystem are classified into abiotic or non-living and biotic or living components.

• Abiotic components are the inorganic and non-living parts. Basic abiotic factors include:

• Temperature: Affects metabolism and growth rates of organisms, and regulates biochemical reactions.

• Water: Provides a medium for chemical reactions, supports aquatic life, and transportation of nutrients and waste.

• Light: Provides energy for photosynthesis, and regulates biological rhythms and behaviour.

• Soil: Provides a medium for plant growth, supports nutrient cycling, and acts as a habitat for microorganisms.

• Biotic components are living organisms, including plants, animals, and other organisms. Biotic components are further classified into three:

• Producers/ Autotrophs: It includes green plants with chlorophyll, certain bacteria, and algae, which can prepare their own food through a process termed Photosynthesis.

• Example: Grass, Cyanobacteria

• Consumers/ Heterotrophs: Since they are incapable of preparing their own food, they depend on producers for food. They can be classified as Herbivores, Carnivores, Omnivores and Detritivores.

• Example: Rabbit, Elephant

• Reducers/ Decomposers: Reducers, also known as Detrivores, are responsible for breaking down dead organic matter. Decomposers, also known as saprotrophs, finish the process by breaking down the dead remains into smaller nutrients.

• Example: Worms, vultures, fungi