Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Ecosystems
Types of ecosystems (terrestrial, aquatic, and transitional)What is an Ecosystem?An ecosystem comprises all the living organisms in a specific area, interacting with each other and their non-living environments This includes everything from plants and animals to microorganisms and the physical surroundings they inhabit. You'll often hear terms like biotic, referring to the living components, and abiotic, referring to non-living elements such as water, light, and
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Definition and Components of Ecosystems
Ecosystem
MODULE 2
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Introduction to Roles of Animals in Ecosystems
ECOSYSTEM
MODULE 3
Introduction to the Roles of Plants as Primary ProducersPlants play a vital role in most ecosystems as they form the base of the food web. As primary producers, plants use sunlight to produce energy through photosynthesis, which then supports various life forms on Earth. In this section, you will explore how plants contribute to the energy dynamics and the overall health of ecosystems.
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Introduction to the Roles of Plants as Primary Producers
Module 4: Ecosystem Interactions
In this module, focus is on the dynamic interactions that shape ecosystems. Gain insight into the relationships and processes that define the survival and functionality of different organisms in their habitats. This exploration encompasses the intricacies of food webs and trophic levels, various symbiotic relationships, alongside competition and predation dynamics. Furthermore, understand how ecological succession influences ecosystem changes over time.
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Food Webs and Trophic Levels
Module 5: Human Impacts and Conservation
Introduction to Human Impacts and ConservationIn previous modules, you've gained insights into the composition, functioning, and interconnectedness of various ecosystems and their inhabitants. Now, we turn our focus towards understanding the influences humans have on these ecosystems, the challenges posed by climate change, and the strategies you can apply to contribute to the health and sustainability of the natural world.
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## 5.1 Human Activities Affecting Ecosystems
Human Activities Affecting Ecosystems
Exploring Plants and Animals in Ecosystems: A Great Learn 2024
    About Lesson

    Definition and Components of Ecosystems

    What is an Ecosystem?

    An ecosystem comprises all the living organisms in a specific area, interacting with each other and their non-living environments This includes everything from plants and animals to microorganisms and the physical surroundings they inhabit. You’ll often hear terms like biotic, referring to the living components, and abiotic, referring to non-living elements such as water, light, and minerals.

    Key Components of an Ecosystem

    • Producers (Autotrophs): These are typically plants or algae that produce their own food using sunlight in a process known as photosynthesis.

    • Consumers (Heterotrophs): These organisms cannot produce their own food and need to eat other organisms. They include animals such as deer, wolves, and even humans.

    • Decomposers: These are organisms like fungi and bacteria that break down dead materials, returning nutrients to the soil, which in turn support the producers.

    Types of Ecosystems

    Terrestrial Ecosystems

    These are land-based ecosystems which vary from deserts to rainforests, each supporting different types of life adapted to their environments. For example, cacti in deserts have thick skins to conserve water.

    Aquatic Ecosystems

    These include freshwater habitats like rivers, lakes, and ponds where organisms such as fish, amphibians, and water plants are prevalent. Key point to note here is how these organisms adapt to the absence of salt found in their marine counterparts.

    Marine Ecosystems

    Covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface, these are saltwater environments like oceans and seas. Coral reefs, a major part of marine ecosystems, host a diverse range of species and are known for their vibrant ecosystems.

    Energy Flow in Ecosystems

    The Sun: The Primary Energy Source

    All energy in ecosystems originates from the sun. Plants convert sunlight into usable energy through photosynthesis, creating the primary energy source that drives the entire ecosystem.

    Energy Transfer: From One Organism to Another

    Energy flows through an ecosystem via food chains and webs, which depict who eats whom. At each step of the food chain, energy is lost as heat, a concept known as the Law of Energy Conservation.

    Nutrient Cycles in Ecosystems

    The Water Cycle

    This describes how water moves from the earth’s surface to the atmosphere and back. This cycle is crucial for transporting nutrients in ecosystems.

    The Carbon Cycle

    Carbon dioxide is cycled from the atmosphere into organisms and back through processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, and decomposition.

    The Nitrogen Cycle

    Nitrogen is essential for all living organisms to build proteins and DNA. In ecosystems, nitrogen circulates between the air, soil, plants, animals, and microbes.

    Importance of Biodiversity in Ecosystem Health

    What is Biodiversity?

    Biodiversity refers to the variety of living species in a particular ecosystem, including genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

    Benefits of Biodiversity

    • Ecosystem Resilience: Higher biodiversity allows ecosystems to recover from disruptions like natural disasters more quickly.

    • Agricultural Viability: Diverse genetic traits in plants, such as drought and pest resistance, can lead to more sustainable agriculture.

    Discussion Points:

    1. Why do you think biodiversity is crucial for an ecosystem’s health?

    2. What might happen if a key species in an ecosystem was removed?

    Exercise:

    Draw a simple diagram of a food web in a marine ecosystem. Label the producers, consumers, and decomposers, and depict how energy flows between these groups.

    Real-World Application: The Role of Forests

    Forests are vital ecosystems that provide oxygen, store carbon dioxide, and stabilize the Earth’s climate. They also purify water and provide habitats for many species. Discussing the destruction of forests can lead into the broader topics of human impact and conservation in future modules.

     

    Summary

    This module has introduced you to the foundational concepts of ecosystems, including their definition, types, and the important cycles within them. Understanding these basic elements will help you appreciate the intricate workings of natural environments and the roles different organisms play in maintaining ecological balance.

     

    Feedback: Reflect on the activities and discussions throughout this module. Do you feel more prepared to explore the subsequent modules on animals and plants in ecosystems?

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