EVS: Class 1

“Ecosystems & the uses”

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
(Habitat)
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)

The most abundant species?

Native vs. exotic species?
Changes over time?
What about the ecosystem you are living in? Pilani?
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)
Consumptive Use
Value
Productive Use Value
Indirect Use Value
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

How are forest ecosystems useful?
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

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
How are grassland ecosystems useful?
Desert Ecosystems:

Warm Cold

Unique Adaptations and Biodiversity

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

North African Antelope Greater roadrunner of North America

 Ø Flow of Water
Aquatic Ecosystems: Ø Salt levels
Ø Seasonal Changes
Lake

River
How are aquatic ecosystems useful?
Producers

Herbivores

Carnivores
10% Energy Rule
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