EVS: class 1

Aug 25, 2021

“Ecosystems”
Ecosystem:
Definition: The living community of plants and animals in any area
together with the non-living components of the environment such as soil,
air and water constitute the ecosystem

Population 1

Community + Environment = Ecosystem

(Biotic Factors) (Abiotic Factors)

Population 2
.
.
.
Organism Population n
 Types of Ecosystem:
Ø Forests
Land Ø Grasslands
(Terrestrial) Ø Deserts
Ø Mountains
Ecosystem

Fresh water
Water (Ponds, lakes, rivers)
(Aquatic)
Marine
(Sea)
Man-made Ecosystems:
Ø An urban area
Ø Agricultural Area
Ø Industrial Area

Unique aspects of an Ecosystem:

Ø Climatic Conditions (Temperature, Rainfall, Soil, Light, etc.) Structural

Ø Flora (Vegetation) Components
Ø Fauna (Animal species)
Size of an Ecosystem:
Worldwide sum of all ecosystems (zone of life on earth)
Biomes: ecosystems adapted to similar climate conditions
 Ecosystems Good and Services

Direct Values Indirect Values

(easy to quantify) (not easy to quantify)

v Consumptive use value v Non-consumptive use value

(direct consumption) (research, tourism, etc)

v Productive use value v Functional value

(commercial purpose) (maintain natural cycles)

v Option value
(option for future)

v Existence value
(Ethical and emotional)
Types of Ecosystems:

ØForest 1. Key Characteristics

ØGrasslands 2. Types
ØDesert 3. How is it useful?
ØAquatic 4. What are the threats?
5. How can we conserve it?
Forest Ecosystems:
specific vegetation and community of animals depending on latitude, altitude and soil type

Coniferous Forests Broad-leaved forests

Evergreen Deciduous Thorny Mangrove

Around 1.6 billion people – including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures – depend on forests for
their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food and shelter. They are also home to more than 80% of the
terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.

Source: WCS India (https://programs.wcs.org/india/Newsroom/Blog/ID/15965/What-is-happening-

to-Indias-forest-cover)

Prevent Soil erosion, lower temperature and provide O2

On 28 November 2012, the United Nations General Assembly established International
Day of Forests, to be observed annually on the 21st of March.
Grasslands Ecosystems:
The vegetation is mainly grass and small annual plants

Semi-arid Grasslands

Himalayan Pasture
Terai Grasslands

Ø Biodiversity conservation
Ø Livestock dependency
Ø Poverty alleviation
Desert Ecosystems:

Warm Cold

Unique Adaptations and Biodiversity

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/57204/20-amazing-animal-adaptations-living-desert
Adaptations in Desert Animals

North African Antelope Greater roadrunner of North America

Aquatic Ecosystems:
Lake

River
 Threat to Aquatic Ecosystems:

A devotee offers prayers to the rising Sun during Chhath Puja as

toxic froth floats on the surface of polluted Yamuna river, at Kalindi Image source - https://bit.ly/2DfE1lV
Kunj, in New Delhi in November 2018 | PTI Photo/Kamal Kishore

Eutrophication:
Ø high nitrogen and phosphorous
Ø Algal and plant growth
Ø Increase in CO2
Ø Decrease in O2
Ø Increased Acidification