functions of ecosystems

Functions of Ecosystem - In an ecosystem there are two processes proceeding simultaneously: 1 ) Energy flow and 2 ) Biogeochemical cycle The energy flow is in a single direction and is non-cyclic where as Biogeochemical flow is cyclic (Any mineral cycl..

Although matter circulates, energy cannot be reused indefinitely. Solar energy is converted by the photosynthetic producers (plants) into chemical energy in the form of plant carbohydrates. Herbivores consume the plant carbohydrates and so this chemical energy is transferred to them. Carnivor..

The characteristic structure of an ecosystem is obtained by the systematic physical organisation of the abiotic and biotic components of that particular ecosystem..

Summary - The biotic and abiotic components form an interacting system called 'ecosystem'. Producers, consumers and decomposers are the various trophic levels, which are linked by their food relationship forming a 'food chain'. Several food chains are interrelated and interconnected to fo..

Biogeography reveals that living organisms (plants and animals) are found practically everywhere on this earth. The living components interact among themselves as well as with their physical environment like soil, air and wate..

An ecosystem is a self sustaining structural and functional unit of the biosphere. The ecosystem may be large or small. In the biosphere several ecosystems exist. Usually there is exchange of material and energy between adjoining ecosystems. Ec..

Ecosystem - Definition - An ecosystem can be defined as 'a structural and functional unit of biosphere or segment of nature consisting of community of living beings and the physical environment, both interacting and exchanging materials between them'. E. P. Odum, an Am..

Significance of Food Chains - The study of food chains helps in understanding some of the important aspects of the ecosystem in particular and environment in general. The food relationship among the different organisms in an ecosystem The food chains are the living components of the ..

Water is an indispensable commodity of life. Water determines the distribution, structure and function of organisms in the ecosystem..

Energy is the capacity to do work. Solar energy is transformed into chemical energy by the process of photosynthesis, and is stored in plant tissue and then transformed into mechanical and heat forms during metabolic activities. The energy, in the biological world, flows from the sun to plants and ..