Ecosystem – Definition, Structure, Facts & Examples

What is Ecosystem?

The meaning of ecosystem can be understood by breaking the word into two parts: eco (environment) and system (working together). So, an ecosystem means a system where living things and their surroundings work together.

The meaning of ecosystem in English is a natural system where plants, animals, microorganisms, air, water, soil, and sunlight interact with each other. Every part of the ecosystem depends on the other parts for survival.

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Ecosystem Definition in Geography

The ecosystem definition in geography focuses on how natural elements are connected in a particular area. Geography studies ecosystems to understand landforms, climate, vegetation, and animal life.

According to geography, an ecosystem is a functional unit of nature where living organisms interact with physical factors like temperature, rainfall, and soil.

About Ecosystem

When we talk about ecosystem, we mean the natural relationship between all living and non-living things. No organism can live alone. Plants need sunlight and water. Animals need plants or other animals for food. Humans depend on plants, animals, and natural resources.

Ecosystems can be small or large:

• A small ecosystem: a pond, garden, or aquarium

• A large ecosystem: a forest, desert, ocean, or grassland

Each ecosystem has its own features, climate, plants, and animals.

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Ecosystem Structure

To describe the structure of ecosystem, we need to understand its two main components:

1. Biotic Components (Living Things)

These include all living organisms in the ecosystem:

• Producers: Green plants that make their own food using sunlight (photosynthesis)

• Consumers: Animals that eat plants or other animals

• Herbivores (eat plants)

• Carnivores (eat animals)

• Omnivores (eat both)

• Decomposers: Bacteria and fungi that break down dead plants and animals into nutrients

2. Abiotic Components (Non-Living Things)

These include:

• Air

• Water

• Soil

• Sunlight

• Temperature

• Minerals

Together, these biotic and abiotic components form the complete structure of an ecosystem.

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Types of Ecosystem

Ecosystems are mainly divided into two types:

1. Natural Ecosystem

These occur naturally without human involvement.

• Forest ecosystem

• Desert ecosystem

• Pond ecosystem

• Marine ecosystem (oceans and seas)

2. Artificial Ecosystem

These are created by humans.

• Crop fields

• Gardens

• Parks

• Aquariums

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Write Short Note on Ecosystem

A short note on ecosystem can be written as follows:

An ecosystem is a natural system where living and non-living things interact with each other. It includes plants, animals, air, water, and soil. Ecosystems help maintain balance in nature and support life on Earth.

Importance of Ecosystem

Ecosystems are very important because:

• They provide food, water, and oxygen

• They help in recycling nutrients

• They support plant and animal life

• They maintain environmental balance

• They help control climate and weather

Without ecosystems, life on Earth would not be possible.

Also Read: Floating and Sinking

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