Ecosystem and energy flow
Ecosystem 14.1 Introduction 1. Definition of Ecosystem Ecosystem : A self-regulating and self-sustaining structural and functional unit of nature (biosphere). It consists of both: Biotic components: Living organisms (plants, animals and microorganisms). Abiotic components: Non-living factors (air, water, soil, sunlight and temperature). Biotic components interact with one another and with their surrounding environment. A. G. Tansley (1935) coined the term ecosystem . 2. Size of Ecosystems Ecosystems vary greatly in size: Small: A pond or a small farmland. Large: Oceans or villages. The entire biosphere can be considered one global ecosystem, consisting of many local ecosystems. 3. Types of Ecosystems A. Based on Environment 1. Terrestrial Ecosystems (Land) Forest, Grassland, Desert 2. Aquatic Ecosystems (Water) Lakes, Wetlands, Rivers, Seas, Oceans Estuaries (areas where freshwater mixes with seawater). B. Based on Origin 1. Natural Ecosystems ...