Understanding Ecosystems: Biotic and Abiotic Factors
Ecosystems are made up of living and non-living things that work together to support life. Let's break down these important parts:
Abiotic Factors (Non-Living Things):
Climate: This is about the weather in a place. For example, tropical rainforests are warm, with average temperatures between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Water: Water is everywhere! It covers about 70% of the Earth's surface. But only a small part, about 2.5%, is freshwater, which we can drink.
Soil: Good soil is super important for plants. Nutrient-rich soil can have up to 5% organic matter, which helps plants grow strong.
Biotic Factors (Living Things):
Producers: These are mostly plants. They use sunlight to make their food through a process called photosynthesis. They can turn 1-5% of solar energy into food for themselves.
Consumers: These are animals. Some animals eat plants (herbivores), while others eat other animals (carnivores). When energy is passed along the food chain, about 90% of it is lost at each step.
Decomposers: These are tiny helpers like fungi and bacteria. They break down dead plants and animals, recycling nutrients back into the soil. This process keeps the ecosystem healthy.
All these factors, both living and non-living, work together to create a balanced environment that is necessary for all living things to survive.
Understanding Ecosystems: Biotic and Abiotic Factors
Ecosystems are made up of living and non-living things that work together to support life. Let's break down these important parts:
Abiotic Factors (Non-Living Things):
Climate: This is about the weather in a place. For example, tropical rainforests are warm, with average temperatures between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Water: Water is everywhere! It covers about 70% of the Earth's surface. But only a small part, about 2.5%, is freshwater, which we can drink.
Soil: Good soil is super important for plants. Nutrient-rich soil can have up to 5% organic matter, which helps plants grow strong.
Biotic Factors (Living Things):
Producers: These are mostly plants. They use sunlight to make their food through a process called photosynthesis. They can turn 1-5% of solar energy into food for themselves.
Consumers: These are animals. Some animals eat plants (herbivores), while others eat other animals (carnivores). When energy is passed along the food chain, about 90% of it is lost at each step.
Decomposers: These are tiny helpers like fungi and bacteria. They break down dead plants and animals, recycling nutrients back into the soil. This process keeps the ecosystem healthy.
All these factors, both living and non-living, work together to create a balanced environment that is necessary for all living things to survive.