Disruptions to Ecosystems Characteristics of Ecosystems Disruptions Ecosystem disruptions, commonly referred to as disturbances, possess several defining characteristics that critically shape their ecological consequences. Understanding these characteristics is essential for grasping how ecosystems respond to and recover from various forms of disruption. Key Implications of These Characteristics: Different causes for Disruptions of Ecosystems Different causes … Read more
What is Pyramid of Number? The Pyramid of Numbers is a graphical representation used in ecology to illustrate the distribution of various species in different trophic levels of a food chain. This pyramid provides a quantitative analysis, showing the number of individual organisms present at each trophic level. Unlike other ecological pyramids which might consider … Read more
Primary consumers are fundamental components of ecological food chains, holding a critical position as the link between producers and higher trophic levels. In essence, they are organisms that feed directly on primary producers, typically plants or algae, which are capable of photosynthesis. Occupying the second trophic level, primary consumers are mostly herbivores, although some omnivorous … Read more
What are Secondary Consumers? Definition of Secondary Consumers Secondary consumers are organisms that primarily feed on primary consumers, which are herbivores, in a food chain. They occupy the third trophic level and can be either carnivores, who eat only other animals, or omnivores, who consume both animal and plant matter. Their role is vital in … Read more
What is Biotic Factor? A biotic factor is a living component that affects another organism or shapes the ecosystem. These can be animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms. They relate to the living things in an ecosystem and are essential for the survival and growth of organisms within their environment. Biotic factors determine the types and … Read more
Rhizosphere Definition Rhizosphere effect Definition Structure of Rhizosphere Based on their proximity to the root system, the rhizosphere structure consists of three zones. Characteristics of Rhizosphere Effects of rhizosphere microbial populations on Plants Degradation of organic materials, disease suppression, and nutrient conversions within root zones are just a few of the many chemical changes that … Read more
What is a Producer? Types of Producers Phototrophs and chemotrophs are the two most common forms of primary producers. Phototrophs Word origin: photo– (light) + troph (nourishment) On occasion, the terms’secondary producers’ and ‘tertiary producers’ are employed. Animals that devour plants are secondary producers because they “generate” biomass for their predators. Likewise, carnivores that are … Read more
What is Consumer? Consumer is a category that belongs inside an ecosystem’s food chain. It primarily refers to animals. Consumers cannot generate their own energy and must rely on the intake and digestion of producers, other consumers, or both in order to survive. Types of consumer 1. Primary consumers Examples of Primary consumers 2. Secondary … Read more
What are Decomposers? Definition of Decomposers Decomposers are organisms that break down dead or decaying organic matter into simpler substances, facilitating nutrient recycling in ecosystems. Common examples include fungi and bacteria. Types of decomposers Decomposers play a pivotal role in the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients within ecosystems. These organisms specialize in breaking down dead organic … Read more
Ecological levels of organization Organism → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biome → Biosphere Ecological Level 1 – Organisms Ecological Level 2 – Population Ecological Level 3 – Biological Community Types of Community Depending on how big they are and how independent they are, communities can be put into two groups: Major Community Minor … Read more
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