Organisation of Ecosystems

• Biomass is produced by photosynthetic organisms, also known as producers.
• Food chains show the direction of transfer of biomass.
• Producers are eaten by consumers.
• Consumers are eaten by secondary consumers.
• Sampling methods such as quadrats and transects are used to show the distribution and abundance of species.
• Materials cycle through biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem.
• Microorganisms help return materials to the soil (minerals) and air (CO2) during decay.
• Water cycle and carbon cycle are part of the ecosystem.
• Warm temperatures are optimum for enzymes, which means decomposition occurs faster.
• No water slows down decomposition, as decomposers need water to survive.
• Too much water reduces the amount of oxygen in the soil, causing anaerobic decomposition to occur.
• Warm temperatures are optimum for enzymes, which means decomposition occurs faster.