1. Introduction

Observe the pictures given below and choose which picture corresponds to the environment?

 

 

  

 

All three pictures are a part of the environment, but the environment is much more.

All living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components continuously interact, and the link between each other maintains the balance in the environment. Any change or deterioration in any of the components of the environment likely impacts the entire environment and the species that live there.

 

The living and the non-living components in an environment together constitute an ecosystem. The link between them can be understood by studying the ecosystem.

Let us look at an example of an ecosystem to understand better. Consider a forest.

 

 

A tree or a shrub grows in the forest using air, sunlight and water. The other biotic components or living components include the insects, birds, and frogs that feed on the leaves, flowers or fruits present on a tree or shrub.

 

The higher animals, such as snakes and birds, depend on the smaller birds, frogs, and insects for sustenance. To grow, reproduce, and perform other activities, the biotic components interact with each other and with the abiotic components. Thus, this example portrays an ecosystem of a forest. The other types of ecosystems are ponds, rivers, lakes and gardens.

 

In the following section, let us study the components of an ecosystem.