Question

Answer the questions:

Ecosystem is formed by biotic and abiotic factors and their interactions with each other. Each factor plays very important role in the ecosystem.

1. Name the different types of ecosystem. Give one example of each.
2. What type of ecosystem is formed by ponds?
3. What is the relationship between environment and ecosystem?
4. How is environmental balance maintained?
5. What is the impact of ecosystem destruction?

Answer 1

(a) Ecosystems are classified as follows:

1. Natural ecosystem,
2. Man-made ecosystem.

Natural ecosystems like forests, grasslands, oceans, lakes, rivers, and deserts are entirely dependent on solar radiation. They give out food, fuel, livestock, and medications.

Man-made ecosystems rely on solar energy, such as agricultural fields and aquaculture ponds, or on fossil fuels, such as urban and industrial ecosystems.

(b) An example of a finished, closed, and independent ecosystem is a pond. It is practical to research its fundamental composition and operations. It uses solar energy to operate and keeps the balance of its biotic ecosystem.

(c) Environment is a broad concept. Physical, chemical and biological factors affecting living organisms in any possible way is collectively called as environment. Environment consists of two basic factors- biotic factors and abiotic factors. Environment consists of many ecosystems. A small pond is an ecosystem whereas the earth is largest ecosystem. Biotic and abiotic factors occupying a definite geographical area and their interactions collectively constitute the ecosystem.

(d) Environmental balance is maintained through continuous operation of various natural cycles like water cycle, carbon cycle, gaseous cycles like nitrogen cycle, oxygen cycle, etc. Environmental balance is also maintained due to various food chains of ecosystem.

(e) Following are the effects of ecosystem destruction:

1. More flooding as a result of soil erosion and a lack of trees.
2. Sea levels are rising as a result of glacier melting brought on by global warming.
3. When apex predators go extinct, the food chain is disrupted.
4. A lack of water.