Types of Ecosystems

ECOSYSTEM The interaction of the organisms of a community (biotic factors) with abiotic factors and habitat of an area.

TYPES OF ECOSYSTEMS Natural 1.Terrestrial (land) ecosystems 2.Aquatic/Marine (water) ecosystems Artificial (man made) 1.A crop land, garden, aquarium, park, kitchen garden.

COMPONENTS OF AN ECOSYSTEM An ecosystem consists of two main components Abiotic or Non-living components. 1. Inorganic substances 2. Organic compounds 3. Climatic factors Temperature/rainfall Biotic or Living components. 1. Producers 2. Consumers 3. Decomposers

FUNCTIONS OF AN ECOSYSTEM The Producers, the green plants, convert sunlight energy(solar energy) and with the help of minerals take from the soil, build up complex organic matter (sugars). The animals eat up plants and other animals as food. So, the energy is transferred through food to animals. When plants and animals die, then decomposers(like certain bacteria and fungi) act on their dead bodies and decompose them into simple materials like carbon dioxide, water and minerals which go back to air, water bodies and soil from where they were taken.

IMPORTANCE OF ECOSYSTEM We know that no living organism can live in isolation. We cannot survive without producers in nature. All living beings depend on other living beings in the biological community. Not only they are dependent on one another, but also each of them exist in a certain proportion. This creates a complete balance in nature amongst living organisms. This is evident from the study of food chains which operate between living organisms.

ECOLOGICAL BALANCE IN NATURE The balance between the living beings and also with the non- living environment is called the Ecological Balance or simply a Balance in Nature. Unfortunately, however human activities have upset the ecological balance in nature, so it is more essential that balance in nature should be established soon because it is essential for our own existence.

Rain Forests Average temperatures Average rainfall Usually between 68 and 93 degrees Fahrenheit Average rainfall 50 to 260 inches per year!

Deserts Average temperatures Average rainfall 80 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (much colder at night time) Average rainfall Less than 8 inches per year!

Deciduous Forests Average temperatures Average rainfall 30 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit Average rainfall 100 to 200 inches per year

Coniferous Forests Average temperatures Average rainfall -20 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit Average rainfall 100 to 200 inches per year (may be snow)

Arctic/Tundra Average temperatures Average rainfall -90 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit! Average rainfall 150 inches to 200 inches (usually snow)

Ocean/Marine Ecosystems Average temperatures 35 degrees Fahrenheit (deep water) Average rainfall Varies throughout the world

Describe Now that we have investigated each ecosystem type, let’s try to describe what each ecosystem is like in the first column of our graphic organizer Ex. Rain forest = forest found in tropical environments

Examples of Animals Using your classmates or your own research, complete the last column of your graphic organizer Be sure to include animals that are representative of that ecosystem type (example: arctic fox for arctic vs. grey fox for deciduous forest)

Last Note on Ecosystems Niche = an organism’s special role in the ecosystem Why is it important to study? We must understand each plant/animals niche in order to protect it (two organisms are not able to share the same niche and one will eventually die off)