Question

Describe the components of an ecosystem.

Answer 1

(1) Abiotic components or non-living components: These include inorganic and organic compounds, as well as climatic factors like temperature, pH, and light.

(2) Biotic components or living components:

1. Autotrophs, such as green plants and photosynthetic microorganisms, can make their own food and convert solar energy into chemical energy.
2. Heterotrophs are consumers that rely on other species for sustenance, as they cannot produce their own food. These include the following types:
   • Primary consumers, also known as herbivores, depend on producers or green plants for their nourishment.
   • Secondary consumers are carnivores that feed on herbivores.
   • Top consumers or carnivores rely on secondary consumers for survival.
3. Decomposers, also known as microconsumers, such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes, break down the dead organic matter of producers and consumers into simpler compounds, thereby sustaining mineral cycles.