Question

What is an ecosystem?

Answer 1

Ecosystem:

1. An ecosystem can be visualized as a functional unit of nature, where living organisms interact among themselves and also with the surrounding physical environment.
2. The terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are the two primary types of ecosystems.
3. Forests, grasslands, and deserts are some examples of terrestrial ecosystems.
4. Ponds, lakes, wetlands, rivers, and estuaries are some examples of aquatic ecosystems.
5. The ecosystem consists of various non-living, abiotic, and living, biotic components.
6. Physical (light, temperature, air, soil, water, etc.) and chemical (pH, salinity, moisture content, etc.) variables make up the abiotic components of an ecosystem.
7. Organisms that make up the biotic component of an ecosystem are classified as heterotrophs and autotrophs.
8. Productivity and energy flow, nutrient cycling, decomposition, and water dynamics are the key functional aspects of the ecosystem.