ECOSYSTEM

ecosystemAn ecosystem is sum total of living organisms, the environment and the process of interaction between and within all parts of the system.
DYNAMICS OF ECOSYSTEM
The various components of the ecosystem constitute an interacting system.
The nutrients and minerals circulate and recirculated between the two factors.
The flow of energy is one way, once used by the ecosystem, it is lost.
The dynamics of the ecosystem constitutes the following
Energy
Food chain
Food web
Trophic levels
Energy flow
Ecological pyramids
Bio-geochemical cycles.
ENERGY
It is the ability to do work
The ultimate source of energy is derived from the sun.
Plants utilize only 0.02% of the energy reaching the earth.
The light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of sugar by photosynthesis.

6H2O+6CO2+Light 6C6H12O6+ 6O2

FOOD CHAIN
The biotic factors of the ecosystem are linked together by food
The sequence of eaters being eaten is called food chain.
FOOD WEB
Many interconnected food chain is called food web.
TROPHIC LEVELS
The various steps in a food chain is called trophic levels. (restricted to 4 or 5)
ENERGY FLOW
The transfer of energy flow from one trophic level to another is called energy flow.
The energy flow is always unidirectional.