Q)Discuss the functional atributes of an ecosystem.

(10)

1)it's the sum of all living organisms & physical enironment in any given time-space limit & it's
interrelations with other ecosystems.The spatial aspect is real but it's deliniation is arbitrary due
to interelated ecosystems.Since,biological transfer of energy & nutrients from one ecosystem to
another through complex fedeing relationships.Ecosystem occur in space & exist in
time.However,these dimensional attributes pose a continuous problem in ecosystem studies.
2)they are constituted hierarchically.Individuals which are at the base of hierarchy compose a
species of population which are the next order of complexity in hierarchy.the aggregation of all
ecosystems on earth in sometimes referred to as ecosphere or ecosystem of whle planet.
3)Each ecosystem is an open one.It depends on the facors outsie it for sustainance,chiefly as
radiant sola energy.However,for some ecosystems like the cave ecosystem,the input is entirely
organic.Ecosystem has an input-output linkage.Inernally it is a self regulated one.
4)Gia hypothesis implied that individually as well as collectively ecosystems are self regulating
entities.Negative feedback is necessary to maintain homeoststic state.Negative feedback is the
feed back that regulates a process or a set of events by slowing down it or turning it off.Example:-
when nutrient release exceeds a certain level fedback through chemical equilibria inhibits further
elease.
5)Same popualtion,increase or decrease in abundance & importance as physico-chemical factors
show gradiation who are the abiotic components in an ecosystem.These population shifts would
affect relationships between population of different species.
6)There are sequences of ecosystem development in terms of a particular suite of physical &
chemical conditions called 'sere'.'Sere' represents development of a series of sequential
successions & culminating into last succession in a sere is called climax.
7)They are natural resource systems.
8)No ecosystem is alike & differes in it's physical & chemical parametres of the environment.But
members of the same species can be expected to be alike than the others.The interactive
processes between organisms & environment is reflected not only intheir structure & function as
ecological communities but also in their dynamics,growth,development,homeostatis & adaptation.
9)It is a functional unit since biotic & abiotic components are interrelated to each other through
large scale cyclic mechanisms like - water cycle,mineral cycle etc.