Topic 1.4: Components of Ecosystem

Components of Ecosystem:

There are two types of components. All these components interact with each other.

Abiotic Component:

All non-living things come under the abiotic system.

• These components can be grouped into three categories.

Physical factors:

• Examples are Sunlight, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, rainfall, etc.

Inorganic Substances:

• Examples are H₂O, O₂, CO₂, N₂, phosphorus, sulfur, soil, etc.

Organic Substance:

• Examples are proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, etc.
• They are the building block of living systems.

Biotic Component:

All living things come under the biotic system.

• These components can be grouped into three categories.

Autotrophs:

They produce their own food by photosynthesis. Examples are plants.

Heterotrophs:

They do not have the ability to produce their own food. They take their food from producers.

• They are of different types (i.e. Herbivores, Carnivores, Omnivores, Parasites ).

Herbivores:

They are the primary consumer. They only feed directly on plants. E.g., rabbit, dear, cow, etc.

Carnivores:

They only feed on animals. Animals that eat other animals. E.g., lion, tiger, dog etc.

Omnivores:

They feed on both plants and animals. E.g., humans and animals.

Parasites:

They obtain their food from live animals.

Saprotrophs:

They act on dead and decaying materials. For example, bacteria, fungi, etc.

• They break down organic substances (dead bodies) into simpler organic substances such as CO2, minerals, etc. Further, these simple organic substances are used by the producers.
• They play an important role in recycling nutrients.
• They are also called detritus feeders.