ECOSYSTEM — Biotic and Abiotic factors

• Ecosystem is the basic structural and functional unit of ecology. It is the place where biotic and abiotic organisms interact with one another.
• Ecosystem consists of all organisms that inhabit the same area.
• Macro ecosystems are called biomes
• Macro ecosystems cover a large geographical area
• Micro ecosystems can be found within a large ecosystem.
• Biotic factors are the living factors of an ecosystem
• Abiotic factors are the non-living factors of an ecosystem
• Biotic Factors are divided into 2 groups: Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
• AUTOTROPHS are capable of Photosynthesis or chemosynthesis
• Autotrophs produce their own food
• Photosynthetic autotrophs are chlorophyll-bearing organisms
• Plants and protists are examples of Photosynthetic autotrophs
• Autotrophs are also known as producers
• Heterotrophs depend on other organisms for food.
• Heterotrophs are also known as consumers
• Heterotrophs are divided into four groups:

  • Herbivores
  • Carnivores
  • Omnivores
  • Decomposers
• Decomposers are the final consumers.
• Detritivores are the macro decomposers
• Insects are examples of detritivores
• True Decomposers are the bacteria and fungi that act on detritus.
• True Decomposers have a significant role in the recycling of materials in the living world.
• Climatic Factors are factors in the environment that affect the weather
• Edaphic Factors pertain to the structure, composition, and acidity of the soil.
• Physiographic Factors pertain to the physical nature of the land surface or its topography and direction.
• Topography is the varied landscape that exists in the ecosystem
• Direction pertains to where the area is facing.
• light, temperature, water, and wind are examples of climatic factors
• Edaphic factors include mineral nutrients, moisture content and acidity of the soil.
• desert, grassland, forest or ocean are examples of macro ecosystems
• The biotic factors are grouped into two distinct categories based on how they obtain their energy source
• Wind plays an important role in the dispersal of pollens and spores and seeds.
• The amount of water in an area dictates what plants will grow in the area
• Temperature provides Earth’s surface with its characteristic warmth
• Important in the biochemical reactions that bring about life is dependent on temperature
• Light is the primary source of energy in almost all ecosystems
• Light is used in the process of photosynthesis
• Soil Texture pertains to the size of the particles that compose the soil
• Soil pH pertains to the alkalinity or acidity of the soil.
• Soil pH Affects the availability of minerals needed for plant growth and development.
• Humus is formed when organic substances (remains of plants and animals) fully decompose