Ecological Pyramid

Ecological Pyramid An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation that illustrates the biomass or productivity at each trophic level in an ecosystem, showing the flow of energy and matter through a food chain. 1. Pyramid of Number It denotes the total number of living individuals at various trophic levels in an ecological system. It can be both upright and inverted. 2. Pyramid of Biomass The ecological pyramid that is made by considering the amount of biomass that is produced by the living system of each trophic level is represented by the pyramid of biomass. It can be both upright and inverted. 3. Pyramid of Energy It is a diagram that illustrates the flow of energy through an ecosystem, showing how energy decreases as it moves from one trophic level to the next, with producers at the base and the topmost consumers at the top. It is always upright. Importance of ecological pyramid It depicts the feeding habits of various organisms in different ecosystems. It takes into account the number of living creatures in an ecosystem. It provides more information on energy transfer within an ecosystem's trophic level. It helps in keeping up with equilibrium and helps in checking the entire state of a biological ecosystem. It gives data about the biodiversity of a region. Forest Ecosystem What is an Ecosystem? A system formed by the interaction of all living organisms with each other and with physical and chemical factors of the environment in which they live, all linked by transfer of energy and material, is called an ecosystem. Types of Ecosystem There are two main ecosystems: 1. Terrestrial Ecosystems: Terrestrial ecosystems are classified into various types based on temperature and annual rainfall. A few examples of terrestrial ecosystems are listed below: a. Grassland Ecosystems b. Forest Ecosystems c. Desert Ecosystems d. Cropland Ecosystems 2. Aquatic Ecosystems: Aquatic ecosystems are majorly two types: a. Freshwater/Inland Ecosystems b. Marine/Saltwater Ecosystems What Is a Forest Ecosystem? A forest ecosystem is an ecosystem of forests and resources. Forests are renewable natural resources. Forests are formed by a group of plants that are structurally defined by their trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers, and ground cover. Soil, animals, insects, microorganisms, and birds are the most important interacting units of a forest ecosystem. In India, the forests occupy about 18-20% of the total land area. Abiotic Components of the forest include inorganic and organic components present in the soil along with temperature, rainfall, light, etc. Biotic Components are represented by producers, consumers, and decomposers. Marine Ecosystem 1. Definition - Marine ecosystems are communities of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) that interact with each other and their physical environment in the ocean. These ecosystems are characterized by a complex web of relationships between species and their environment, and play a crucial role in supporting life on Earth. 2. Importance - Marine ecosystems provide essential services, including oxygen production, food source (fisheries, aquaculture), coastal protection (shorelines, mangroves), carbon sequestration, and biodiversity hotspots. These services are vital for human well-being and the health of the planet. 3. Types of Marine Ecosystems - There are several types of marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, estuaries, mangrove forests, sea grass beds, open ocean, and deep-sea ecosystems. Each of these ecosystems has unique characteristics and supports a diverse range of species. 4. Key Players - Phytoplankton are the primary producers of marine ecosystems, converting sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. Zooplankton are the primary consumers, feeding on phytoplankton and serving as a food source for larger animals. Fish, marine mammals, and microorganisms also play important roles in marine ecosystems. 5. Food Webs - Marine ecosystems have complex food webs, with energy flowing from primary producers to top predators. These food webs are critical for maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems and supporting the diversity of species. 6. Nutrient Cycles - Nutrient cycles, such as the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, are critical for marine ecosystem functioning. These cycles involve the movement of nutrients through the ecosystem, supporting the growth and productivity of marine organisms. 7. Human Impacts - Human activities, such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change, can significantly impact marine ecosystems. These impacts can lead to declines in biodiversity, ecosystem degradation, and loss of ecosystem services. 8. Conservation Efforts - Marine protected areas (MPAs), sustainable fishing practices, and reducing pollution can help conserve marine ecosystems. These conservation efforts can help maintain the health and diversity of marine ecosystems, and support the well-being of human communities. FOOD WEB: It is network of multiple interconnected food chain. Complex food webs with high biodiversity are more stable. It helps in maintaining ecological balance. Organisms in food webs are eaten by multiple species. It is habitat specific. The flow of energy is from producers to various consumers. Decomposers are an essential part for breaking down dead organic matter. It helps recycling nutrients. Calotropis Scientific Name: Calotropis Common Name: Crown Flower, Giant Milkweed Family: Apocynaceae Habitat: Dry, arid regions, wastelands, and roadsides Characteristics: Leaves: Thick, oval, waxy, grayish-green Stem: Woody, exudes toxic milky latex Flowers: Purple or white, star-shaped, waxy Fruit: Balloon-like follicles with silky seeds Roots: Deep, drought-resistant Toxicity: Contains toxic cardiac glycosides; latex causes skin irritation Medicinal Uses: Traditional use for skin diseases, pain relief, and respiratory issues Ecological Role: Attracts pollinators, prevents soil erosion Primary succession in hydrophytes refers to the gradual colonization and development of plant life in a newly formed aquatic environment, such as a lake or pond, starting from bare rock or sediment. a. Phytoplanktons: Microscopic algae and other photosynthetic organisms that form the base of the aquatic food web. (Pioneer species) b. Submerged plant stage: Plants like pondweeds and water lilies that are fully submerged in the water, providing shelter and food for aquatic animals. (Intermediate species) c. Submerged free-floating plant stage: Plants like duckweed and water hyacinth that float on the water surface, creating a dense layer that can block sunlight. (Intermediate species) d. Reed swamp stage: Emergent plants like cattails and reeds that grow in shallow water, forming dense stands that trap sediment and create drier conditions. (Intermediate species) e. Marsh meadow stage: Grasses and sedges that thrive in wetter areas, further stabilizing the soil and providing habitat for a wider range of animals. (Intermediate species) f. Scrub stage: Shrubs and small trees begin to appear as the soil becomes drier, marking a transition to a more terrestrial ecosystem. (Intermediate species) g. Forest: As the soil continues to develop and the area becomes drier, trees dominate the landscape, forming a mature forest ecosystem. (Climax community) POND ECOSYSTEM A pond ecosystem is a freshwater ecosystem that can either be temporary or permanent and consists of a wide variety of aquatic plants and animals interacting with each other and the surrounding aquatic conditions. The pond ecosystem falls under the category of a lentic ecosystem because the water remains stagnant for a longer period. The biotic components of the pond ecosystem occupy different levels in the pond ecosystem, therefore, avoiding the competition for survival. Scavengers and decomposers occupy the bottom level, and fish occupy the middle level. The plants enclose the pond's boundaries and provide shelter to small animals and insects. Biotic components are living components. A wide variety of living components are found in the pond ecosystem such as producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers and decomposers. Some aquatic plants help to improve the water quality by absorbing pollutants and heavy metals. The shoreline plants absorb nitrogen and phosphorus and therefore prevent the algal bloom and maintain the oxygen level in the pond. Moreover, aquatic plants absorb animal wastes to reduce the nutrient availability for plants and therefore prevent the growth of algae. The pond ecosystem is one of the sites for the conservation of biodiversity as different types of plants and consumers occupy different strata in the pond and live together by interacting with each other. Ponds in mountain regions conserve the endangered species. FOOD CHAIN A food chain is a sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem. It typically follows this order: Producers – Plants and algae that make their own food through photosynthesis. Primary consumers – Herbivores that eat the producers (e.g., grasshopper eating grass). Secondary consumers – Carnivores that eat herbivores (e.g., frog eating grasshopper). Tertiary consumers – Top predators that eat other carnivores (e.g., snake eating frog). Decomposers – Organisms like fungi and bacteria that break down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil. Example: Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake → Eagle → Decomposer Detritivore Food Chain A detritivore food chain starts with dead and decaying organic matter (also called detritus) rather than living plants. It plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling and helps keep the ecosystem clean. Dead Leaves → Earthworm → Frog → Snake → Fungi/Bacteria Grazing Food Chain A grazing food chain starts with living green plants (producers) that use sunlight to make food through photosynthesis. Energy then flows to herbivores, and up to carnivores and top predators.