Ques 1: Identify the type of Ecosystem:

Forest Ecosystem
Ques 2: Comment on the Biotic and Abiotic features of this ecosystem:
A forest ecosystem is a complex network of interactions between living and non-living
components. The biotic and abiotic features of a forest ecosystem influence each other and
shape the diversity and functioning of the system.
The biotic features of a forest ecosystem are all the living organisms that inhabit the forest,
such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. They can be classified into different
functional groups based on their role in the ecosystem, such as:

 Producers: These are the organisms that capture the energy from the sun and convert
it into organic matter through photosynthesis. They form the base of the food chain
and provide food and oxygen for other organisms. In a forest ecosystem, the
producers are mainly trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, ferns, mosses, and lichens.
 Consumers: These are the organisms that feed on the producers or other consumers to
obtain energy and nutrients. They can be further divided into herbivores, carnivores,
omnivores, and detritivores, depending on their diet. In a forest ecosystem, the
consumers include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, worms, and spiders.
 Decomposers: These are the organisms that break down the dead and decaying
organic matter into simpler substances that can be recycled in the ecosystem. They
release carbon dioxide, water, and minerals that can be used by the producers. In a
forest ecosystem, the decomposers include bacteria, fungi, and some invertebrates.

The abiotic features of a forest ecosystem are all the non-living physical and chemical factors
that affect the living organisms and their interactions. They include:

 Climate: This refers to the long-term patterns of temperature, precipitation, humidity,

wind, and sunlight in a region. Climate determines the type and distribution of
vegetation and animals in a forest ecosystem. For example, tropical forests have high
temperature and rainfall throughout the year, while temperate forests have distinct
seasons with cold winters and warm summers.
  Soil: This refers to the upper layer of the earth’s crust that supports the growth of
plants and provides habitat for many organisms. Soil is composed of mineral particles,
organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. Soil influences the availability of
nutrients, water, and oxygen for the plants and animals in a forest ecosystem. For
example, sandy soils drain water quickly and have low fertility, while clayey soils
retain water and have high fertility.
 Water: This refers to the liquid form of hydrogen and oxygen that covers most of the
earth’s surface and is essential for life. Water is found in various forms and locations
in a forest ecosystem, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, groundwater, and
precipitation. Water affects the moisture, temperature, and nutrient cycles in a forest
ecosystem. For example, water evaporates from the leaves of plants and cools the air,
while water dissolves and transports minerals from the soil to the plants.
 Light: This refers to the electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by the sun and
reaches the earth’s surface. Light is the primary source of energy for the producers in
a forest ecosystem, as they use it to perform photosynthesis. Light also affects the
behavior, growth, and reproduction of many animals in a forest ecosystem. For
example, light regulates the circadian rhythms, seasonal migrations, and mating
cycles of many animals.
 Fire: This refers to the rapid combustion of organic matter that produces heat, light,
and smoke. Fire is a natural disturbance that can occur in a forest ecosystem due to
lightning, volcanic eruptions, or human activities.

Quest: From the food chain, draw and explain a pyramid of number, biomass and
energy
 A pyramid of number shows the number of individuals in each trophic level of a food
chain. It indicates the population size and distribution of organisms in an ecosystem.
A pyramid of number can have different shapes depending on the type of ecosystem
and the feeding habits of the organisms. For example, in a forest ecosystem, the
pyramid of number may have a broad base and a narrow top, as there are more
producers than consumers, and more herbivores than carnivores. However, some
organisms, such as parasites, may invert the pyramid of number, as they can have
more individuals than their hosts.
 A pyramid of biomass shows the total mass of living matter in each trophic level of a
food chain. It indicates the amount of organic matter and potential energy stored in
the organisms in an ecosystem. A pyramid of biomass is usually upright, as the
biomass tends to decrease from the producers to the consumers, due to the loss of
energy and matter in each transfer. However, some exceptions may occur, such as in
aquatic ecosystems, where the producers have a lower biomass than the consumers,
due to their fast turnover rate and low storage capacity.
 A pyramid of energy shows the rate of energy flow or production in each trophic level
of a food chain. It indicates the efficiency and productivity of the organisms in an
ecosystem. A pyramid of energy is always upright, as the energy available for the next
trophic level decreases by about 90% in each transfer, due to the loss of heat and
respiration. Therefore, the energy flow is unidirectional and non-cyclic in an
ecosystem.