Theory question 308
The Ecosystem(a) Define the term ecosystem. (b) Describe the main components of the ecosystem citing two examples of each. (c) Explain two ways in which the components of the ecosystem are interdependent.
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(a) An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with one another and with their non-living (physical) environment.
(b) Abiotic (non-living) components: e.g. sunlight, water, air, soil, temperature. Biotic (living) components: producers (green plants), consumers (animals such as goats, lions) and decomposers (bacteria, fungi).
(c) Plants use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to make food that animals eat; animals release carbon dioxide used by plants and plants release oxygen used by animals; decomposers break down dead matter, returning nutrients to the soil for plants; soil supports plants which protect it from erosion.
Give two examples for each component.