(a) What is an ecosystem? List its two main components.
(b) We do not clean ponds or lakes, but an aquarium needs to be cleaned regularly. Explain.
Answers
Answer:
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment, interacting as a system. These biotic and abiotic components are linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows.
Biotic components: Plants and animals. Abiotic components: Light, soil, temperature, humidity, wind, air, etc. (b) An aquarium is an artificial and incomplete ecosystem in contrast to a pond or lake which is natural , self - sustaining and complete ecosystem. In natural ecosystem, decomposers helps in recycling waste.
Examples of ecosystems are: agroecosystem, aquatic ecosystem, coral reef, desert, forest, human ecosystem, littoral zone, marine ecosystem, prairie, rainforest, savanna, steppe, taiga, tundra, urban ecosystem and others. plants, animals, soil organisms and climatic conditions.