Class 12 Biology — Chapter 12: Ecosystem

What you'll learn

• ▸Ecosystem Structure and Components
• ▸Functional Aspects of an Ecosystem
• ▸Ecosystem Productivity
• ▸The Process of Decomposition
• ▸Factors Controlling Decomposition
• ▸Energy Flow and Trophic Levels
• ▸Grazing and Detritus Food Chains

Chapter Summary

--- PAGE 1 --- CHAPTER 12 ECOSYSTEM 12.1 Ecosystem–Structure and Function 12.2 Productivity 12.3 Decomposition 12.4 Energy Flow 12.5 Ecological Pyramids An ecosystem can be visualised as a functional unit of nature, where living organisms interact among themselves and also with the surrounding physical environment. Ecosystem varies greatly in size from a small pond to a large forest or a sea. Many ecologists regard the entire biosphere as a global ecosystem, as a composite of all local ecosystems on Earth. Since this system is too much big and complex to be studied at one time, it is convenient to divide it into two basic categories, namely **terrestrial** and **aquatic**. Forest, grassland and desert are some examples of terrestrial ecosystems; pond, lake, wetland, river and estuary are some examples of aquatic ecosystems. Crop fields and an aquarium may also be considered as man-made ecosystems. We will first look at the structure of the ecosystem, in order to appreciate the…

Practice Questions from this Chapter

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1. Explain pond ecosystem components simply. Get Solution →
2. Name key roles of decomposers. Get Solution →
3. Describe energy transfer between organisms. Get Solution →
4. What is the term for a functional unit of nature where living organisms interact among themselves and with their physical environment? Get Solution →
5. Which of the following is an example of a terrestrial ecosystem? Get Solution →
6. What is the vertical distribution of different species occupying different levels in an ecosystem called? Get Solution →
7. What term defines the amount of biomass or organic matter produced per unit area by plants during photosynthesis? Get Solution →
8. How is Net Primary Productivity (NPP) calculated? Get Solution →

Did you know?

• 💡 A single drop of pond water can contain its own tiny, complex ecosystem.
• 💡 Earthworms eat their own weight in soil every day, helping break down dead matter.
• 💡 Some deep-sea ecosystems thrive on chemical energy from vents, not sunlight.
• 💡 Trees communicate with each other through underground fungal networks, sharing nutrients.
• 💡 Every breath you take contains air molecules that were once part of ancient dinosaurs.

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