Ecological System

An ecological system, also known as an ecosystem, is a community of living organisms (biotic factors) interacting with their physical environment (abiotic factors). These interactions create a complex web of relationships and energy flows, ultimately sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance.

Components of Ecological Systems

1. Abiotic Factors: These are the non-living components of an ecosystem, including air, water, soil, sunlight, temperature, and other physical factors.

2. Biotic Factors: These are the living organisms within the ecosystem, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.

3. Producers: Organisms such as plants and algae that produce their own food through photosynthesis, forming the base of the ecological pyramid.

4. Consumers: Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms. They can be herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores.

5. Decomposers: Organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Interactions within Ecological Systems

1. Food Chains and Webs: These illustrate the transfer of energy and nutrients through the ecosystem as organisms consume each other. They demonstrate the interconnectedness of different species within the ecosystem.

2. Symbiotic Relationships: These are close interactions between different species, including mutualism (both species benefit), commensalism (one species benefits, the other is unaffected), and parasitism (one species benefits at the expense of the other).

3. Ecological Succession: This is the process by which an ecosystem changes over time, typically following a disturbance such as a fire or a volcanic eruption. It includes primary succession (on bare rock) and secondary succession (on existing soil).

Ecological System Study Guide

1. Define the terms "ecological system" and "ecosystem."
2. List and describe the abiotic and biotic factors in an ecological system.
3. Explain the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in an ecological system.
4. Draw and label a food chain or food web representing a specific ecosystem.
5. Provide examples of mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism in ecological systems.
6. Compare and contrast primary and secondary ecological succession.

Understanding ecological systems is crucial for comprehending the delicate balance of nature and the impact of human activities on the environment.