ECOSYSTEM (Part-I)

Carbon and energy requirements of autotrophic organisms (such as plants) are fulfilled by photosynthesis. In this process, green parts of the plant, like leaves, combine sunlight, CO₂, and water in the presence of chlorophyll to form the energy molecule glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).

A semi-arid area is a terrestrial ecosystem, while ponds, lakes, and rivers are examples of aquatic ecosystems.

Humans are placed in the category of omnivores in the ecosystem because humans eat both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.

The mango tree is an example of an autotroph. Autotrophs are those organisms which make their food by taking energy from inorganic sources and energy from the sun; that is, they prepare their food without the help of any other.

A food chain is usually made up of producers, consumers, and decomposers. In this, producers, i.e. green plants, are located at the first trophic level, while herbivores, i.e. the first consumers, are situated in the second trophic level.

A food chain is usually made up of producers, consumers, and decomposers. In this, producers, i.e. green plants, are located at the first trophic level, while herbivores, i.e. the first consumers, are situated in the second trophic level.

All those plants which make their own food through photosynthesis are called producers, whereas consumers (herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores) directly or indirectly depend on producers for food

Herbivores are also called primary consumers. Whereas the consumers dependent on herbivores are called secondary consumers, those dependent on secondary consumers are called tertiary consumers.

Herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores come under all three consumers. They depend on autotrophic organisms for their food. Plants come under autotrophic organisms, which are capable of making their own food with the help of photosynthesis. Autotrophs do not come under consumer.

The correct sequence of different components in the food chain of a grassland ecosystem is as follows—
Grass → Moth → Frog → Snake → Eagle
(Producer) (Primary (Secondary (Tertiary (Quandary
Consumer)Consumer)Consumer)Consumer)