Ecosystem Fundamentals: Biomes, Habitats, and Adaptations

Posted on Nov 19, 2024 in Biology

Biosphere: The Realm of Life

The biosphere encompasses all areas on Earth where life exists.

Biomes: Distinct Ecosystem Regions

Biomes are large regions characterized by specific climates and dominant plant and animal communities.

Ecosystems: Interacting Components

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (biocoenosis) interacting with their physical environment (biotope).

Biotope: Abiotic Factors

Physical elements like soil, water, and air.

Biocoenosis: Biotic Factors

Living organisms categorized as Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plants, and Animals.

Habitat: Species’ Home

The habitat is the specific location where a species lives within an ecosystem.

Ecological Niche: Species’ Role

The ecological niche defines a species’ role and interactions within its ecosystem.

Food Chains and Trophic Levels

Living organisms are classified based on how they obtain food:

Producers: Create organic matter (e.g., plants).
Consumers: Feed on other organisms (primary, secondary, tertiary).
Decomposers: Break down organic matter.

Trophic Pyramids

Represent the flow of energy and biomass through trophic levels.

Organism Relationships

Intraspecific

Interactions between individuals of the same species (e.g., colonies, families).

Interspecific

Interactions between individuals of different species (e.g., mutualism, parasitism).

Adaptations to Ecosystems

Terrestrial Adaptations

Humidity: Plants in moist environments have more stomata; desert plants have adaptations to reduce water loss.
Light: Plants adapt to light availability; animals exhibit diurnal or nocturnal activity.
Temperature: Poikilotherms adapt to ambient temperature; homeotherms maintain internal temperature.

Aquatic Adaptations

Light: Photosynthetic organisms adapt to light penetration; some deep-sea animals produce light.
Water Movement: Organisms adapt to currents and pressure.