Definition of Decomposition Decomposition: The process of breaking down complex organic matter into simpler inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients. Role of Detritus Detritus: Dead plant remains (e.g., leaves, bark, flowers) and animal remains, including fecal matter, serve […]

Energy Source and Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) The Sun is the primary energy source for all ecosystems (except deep-sea hydrothermal ecosystems). Of the total incident solar radiation, less than 50% is PAR. Plants capture only 2-10% of PAR through photosynthesis, which sustains the entire living […]

Productivity in Ecosystems Definition of Productivity Productivity: Rate of biomass production in an ecosystem, expressed in: Weight: gm⁻² yr⁻¹ Energy: kcal m⁻² yr⁻¹ Productivity helps compare different ecosystems. Types of Productivity Primary Productivity: Biomass or organic matter produced by plants […]

Definition of Ecosystem An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature where living organisms (biotic components) interact among themselves and with their surrounding physical environment (abiotic components). Key Features of Ecosystems Interactions: Organisms interact with each other and with the […]

Ecosystem – Structure and Function Introduction An ecosystem consists of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components. These components interact, influencing each other and their environment. The flow of energy within an ecosystem integrates these components into a functional unit. Physical […]

Definition & Importance of Predation: Predation is a natural process where one organism (predator) hunts and consumes another (prey). It serves as a means of transferring energy fixed by autotrophic organisms (plants) to higher trophic levels in the food chain. […]

Reproductive Fitness: Populations evolve to maximize their reproductive fitness (also called Darwinian fitness). High reproductive fitness is associated with a high r value (intrinsic rate of natural increase). Reproductive Strategies: Organisms adopt strategies based on the habitat they live in […]

Interspecific Interactions: These interactions arise from the interaction of populations of two different species. They can be: Beneficial: One or both species benefit. Detrimental: One or both species are harmed. Neutral: Neither species benefits nor is harmed. Key Types of […]