Ecosystem-Definition, Different types and Examples

The term ecosystem was coined by A.G. Tansley (1935)

It is a “Life supporting system”

Eco=region of space where organisms live

System =formed by interacting organism

Definition: Ecosystem refers to the interactions of organisms with one another and with their environment in which they occur.

It is a “Life supporting system"
Ecosystem may be of two types: Natural and Artificial (Manmade)

The above figure gives you a summary of different types of ecosystems and examples of each type.

Each ecosystem may be considered as two layers, six structural components and six processes.

i) Layers: Autotrophic layer and heterotrophic layer

Autotrophic layer or green belt within which the buildup of complex substances predominates using solar energy.

Heterotrophic layer or brown layer within which further manipulation and decomposition of the complex substances predominates.

ii)Structural components:

Inorganic substances: it involved n material cycles.
organic compounds that link biotic and Abiotic sectors.
Climatic regime :example rain fall, temperature
Producers mainly green plants that manufacture food from sunlight (light energy)
Consumers animals that consume other organisms and particulate organic matter-primary and secondary consumers.
Decomposers chiefly microbes that breakdown complex compounds with release of products that are recycled by plants

iii) Processes: