What is an Ecosystem?
Ecosystem = All living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) things in an area that interact with each other.
Examples: pond, forest, desert, garden, crop field, grassland
Key components:
- Biotic components
- Abiotic components
Biotic & Abiotic Components
Every ecosystem has two main types of components that work together.
Important points:
- Biotic (living)
- Abiotic (non-living)
- Balance is important
Food Chain & Food Web
Food chain shows the transfer of energy from one organism to another.
Example: Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake
Key points:
- Food Chain
- Food Web
- Energy transfer
Producers (Autotrophs)
Producers make their own food using sunlight (photosynthesis).
Examples: green plants, algae
Key points:
- Photosynthesis
- Base of energy flow
- Chlorophyll
Consumers (Heterotrophs)
Consumers cannot make their own food and depend on others.
Types:
- Herbivores
- Carnivores
- Omnivores
Decomposers
Decomposers break down dead plants and animals and return nutrients to soil.
Examples: bacteria, fungi, earthworms
Key role:
- Decomposition
- Nutrient recycling
- Cleaners of nature
Energy Flow in Ecosystem
Energy flows in one direction only: from the Sun through producers to consumers and finally to decomposers.
Important rules:
- Only about 10% of energy is transferred to the next trophic level (10% law)
- Energy flow is unidirectional – it never goes backwards
- The Sun is the ultimate source of energy for all ecosystems
Click any dotted line below to see how energy flows and animates!
Only ~10% of energy passes to the next level — most is lost as heat!