What Are the Aspects of the Ecosystem?

The term "ecosystem" refers to a geographical location and the interaction between the components found in the environment. The components of an ecosystem are broadly divided into biotic and abiotic factors. Ecosystems are divided into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, which are further subdivided into different biomes.

Biotic Factors

• The biotic factors of an ecosystem are the living organisms that are found in an ecosystem. Energy flows in an ecosystem and living organisms are classified according to their level in the flow of energy. The primary producers convert the light energy from the sun into usable chemical energy through photosynthesis. The primary producers are the plants in an ecosystem.

  The primary consumers are the herbivores and other animals that feed on the plants and convert the chemical energy in the plants into usable energy. Secondary consumers are the omnivorous or carnivorous animals that feed on both the plants and the primary consumers. Detritivores are the organisms that consume the droppings and carcasses of all the other organisms. Examples of detritivores include beetles, buzzards and microbes.

Abiotic Factors

• Abiotic factors are the non-living parts of the ecosystem. They are divided into physical and chemical factors like amount of precipitation, radiation, climate and humidity. Abiotic factors are intertwined with biotic factors because they often determine the diversity of biotic factors present in an ecosystem. For example, abiotic factors like extremely low precipitation, heat and low humidity in desserts mean that only a few adapted organisms can survive there.

Terrestrial Ecosystem

• Terrestrial ecosystems are the land-based ecosystems. Terrestrial ecosystems are further subdivided into different biomes. The grassland biome has few trees and shrubs and is dominated by grasses. The abiotic factors in this biome include warm or hot climates with moderate rainfalls. The rainforests have a very high level of rainfall and the climate is hospitable for many organisms. This in turn leads to a high level of biodiversity among the plants and animals. Another type of terrestrial ecosystem is the tundra biome. The abiotic factors in this ecosystem include very cold weather, plenty of snow, leading to a low level of biodiversity among the organisms.

Aquatic Ecosystems

• Aquatic ecosystems are the water-based ecosystems. They are divided into marine and freshwater biomes. The marine biomes are those bodies of water with a high salt content. Freshwater ecosystems have a low to nonexistent salt content. Examples of marine biomes include coral reefs, oceans and estuaries. Examples of freshwater biomes include lakes, ponds and rivers.