Environment-1 Flashcards
define environment
The environment includes everything that may influence an organims( plant/animal) in any way. So, all the physical and biological factors that directy influence the survival, growth, development and reproduction of organisms collectly form the environment.
define ecosystem
it is the basic functional ecological unit where there exists interaction between biotic components ( plants and animals) and abiotic components( soil, temperature,topography) to maintain a balance in nature.
All the interacting organisms in an area together with the on living constituents form the ecosystem
what are the types of ecosystem give examples
natural ecosystem:These are ecosystmes which are naturally formed and man has no role in their formation.Furether divided into 2: terrestrial ecosystem: forest
aquatic ecosystem: pond,lake
artificial ecosystem: manmade ecosystmes in which biotic and abiotic factors are manipulated by man.
write a note on producers
producers are organisms that produce food for themselves and other organisms.They contain chlorophyll pigment which helps them to carry out the
process of photosynthesis-through which they are able to use energy and simple inorganic molecules into organic molecules- in the presence of light. Thus, they are also called as converters or transducers.
Ex: plants, algae
why are producers extremely important
The stability of producers is vital to ecosystems because all organisms need organic molecules-glucose. Producers are also called autotrophs.
what are conusmemr s
Consumers are those organisms which depend upon the producers for food, either directly or indirectly by feeding
on other consumers for their sustenance. They are also called heterotrophs.Ex: animals, certain fungi. Heterotrophs are classified on what they eat
explain the classification of consumers
Herbivores/primary consumers consume producers such as plants or algae. They are a necessary link between producers and other consumers. Examples include deer, rabbits, and mice.
Carnivores/secondary consumers consume animals. Examples include lions, polar bears, hawks, frogs, salmon, and spiders. Carnivores that are unable to digest plants and must eat only animals are called obligate carnivores. Other carnivores can digest plants but do not commonly eat them.
Omnivores/tertiary consumers consume both plants and animals. They include humans, pigs, brown bears, gulls, crows, and some species of fish.
what are parasites
Parasites are those organisms that live outside (ectoparasites) or inside (endoparasites) the body of another
organisms, i.e., host. e.g., parasites of human include fleas and lice. They derive nutrition fro the body of host.
What are decomposers
Decomposers are those micro-organisms that obtain energy from the chemical breakdown of dead organisms or
animals or plant wastes. Decomposers break down the complex organic substances into simple inorganic substances
that go into the soil and are used up again by the plants. They help in the replenishment of natural resources. They reduce the bruden on the environment by cleeaning up the dead remains. They maintain the nutrient pool
what are abiotic and biotic components
An abiotic factor is a non-living part of an ecosystem that shapes its environment.
-phsyical factors-temperature,sunlight
edaphic factors-soil pH, texture
A biotic factor is a living organism that shapes its environment.
