Question

Explain the biotic components of an ecosystem.

Answer 1

Biotic (living) Component of Ecosystem

1. It includes living components of the environment.
2. They can be grouped into producers, consumers and decomposers.

Producers

1. Autotrophs in an ecosystem are called producers because they produce food for all other members of the ecosystem.
2. They are green plants, blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), some bacteria and minute free-floating phytoplankton.
3. With the help of chlorophyll, carbon dioxide, water and utilizing the sun's energy, they synthesize organic food.

Consumers

1. Consumers consume food prepared by producers.
2. All animals including human beings are consumers.
3. They depend directly or indirectly on producers for food Consumers are also called heterotrophs.
4. They are put into three categories

• Herbivores

1. They are animals that feed on plants.
2. Herbivores are also called primary consumers.

• Carnivores

1. They are animals that prey upon herbivores (primary consumers) and eat their flesh.
2. Carnivores that eat herbivores are called primary carnivores or secondary consumers.

• Omnivores

1. Animals that eat both plants as well animals are called omnivores.
2. Dogs, Human beings and Bears are omnivores.
   

Decomposers

1. Microorganisms (mostly bacteria and fungi) break down complex organic compounds from the bodies of dead animals, decaying remains of plants and faecal matter of animals into simple inorganic substances.