EsVIRONAENT AND EcoSYSTEM 63

NEED| FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS

3.1.3
Earth's natural resurces are dwindling and ous surrndiny
is beingprogressively degraded by human ctivities, it's evidet
MODULE -
3 hat
that
measures have to be taken. Ofen feel that dealing with al!
that
issomethíng the Governmert mut do. Prevesdicn of or
surroundings degradation in which we have to all take part that
of all our lives, As an índividual, we are
peedto become a part role in en
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOSYSTEM sígnificant environment manazement. It
able play a
can be
made conceivable through mass awareness, If every people
Environment Iriroduction, Multidivciplinary nture feels powerfuly yregardingtthe environmert, the press ard media can
emiMeTadl stuties- Defnition, seope andI importamce, Need for boost our efforts. Politiciansin adernocracy respondcormplely to
NG0
supported movemert. One can ýoín zn
apowerful publícally us is ín ctarye of
Ecosyten Concept, Enery flo, Structure and function that supports the cause of conservation. Each of possible.
ECIC,stem Fucd chains, fod webs and ecological pyramid, soreading this message to as mary indivíduals as
Prest econyniem, Grus slamd ecosytem, Desert econystem and
Mqutic ecydem, Eeoloical succession, 3.2ECOSYSTEM
"Ecosysterm" may be a regíon with apartícular ard recognizable space
2.1 ENVIR0NMENT landscape type like forest, grassland, desert, land oritscuastal
non-livíng
3.1.1 DEFINITION The geographical, climatic and soilthetraíts forn
(abiotíc) factor. The livíng a part of envíronmert is called its
kdeals with each problem that ínfluences an organísm. It is conjunctíon
esertialy a mutidisciplíinary technique that brings about an biotic element. Thís community of living organisms in systern.
sprecition for natural world and human ínpacts on its integity. with the non-livíng partsof their surroundings interact as a
h isn plied science as its seeks practical answers to creating
human civilizaion ustainable on thís planet's finite resources. 3.3 ENERGY FLOW
mechanisms that
Every ecosystem has several interrelated the carbon cycle,
2.1.2 8COPE affect human life. These are the water cycle,
Surondings were origínally anatural landscape like aforest, a the oxygen cycle, the nitrogen cycle and the energy cycle. While
each ecosystem its
fiver, amurtaín, adeert, or a míxture of those components. Mos every ecosystem iscontrolled by these cycles, in
fs five in landscapes vhich have been cloely changed via hurman abiotic and biotic features are distinct from each other.
teings. Daily lives are linked with our environment and inevitably
irfueses thern. Relianue on nature is great to the point nat we 3.3.1WATER CYCLE
can't keep on living withot floor and flows into
Nature. Il effects of rapidermuring the ecologícal assets Mother When it rains, the water runs alongside the the rainwater that
and development, part of
fivers or falls directly into the ocean. AThis
brongn atnt environnertal financial boom ground. is stored underground
makes use of up degradation.
masive amourt, of natural
Industrial improvement falls on land percolates into the Water ís drawn up from the ground
resources3. all through the rest of the year, vitamins from the soil. The water
by plant life together with the returned to the
Is transpired from the leaves as water vapour annd
 ENVIRONMENT AND EcoSYSTEM -65
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Fossil fuels
64 Combustlon
surroundings.The waterisstranspiredfrom the leaves as vapour and
atmosphere. Becauseit is lighter than
tothe aiir, vapour
returnsandback
rises forms clouds. Wind blowthe clouds for long distances and
oncethe clouds rise higher, the vapour condensessand changes into Carbondioxide Photosynthesis Animals
rain.
fall on the landas
Inatmosphere in green plants
droplets, that

Condensation Deeth end

Decay

Respiratlon and
abi metabolism
batelqoo
Water JEvaporation
Predpitatiou
Fig 3.2Carbon Cycle
Cycle 3.3.3 NITROGEN CYCLE
animals that eat
Carnivorous animals feed on herbivorous
material is broken down
plants. When animals defecate, this waste
and ants. These litle 'soil
through worms and bugs typically beetles bits on which minute
Transpirution creatures break the waste material into littler material is hence
microorganisms and organisms can act. This
separated further into supplements that plants can retain and use
supplements are reused once
Fig 3.1 Water Cycle for their development. In this manner nitrogen cycle on which life
3.3.2 CARBON CYCLE again from creatures to plants. Thus the
The carbon, which occurs in organic compounds, is included is dependent is completed.
ATMOSPHERE
Combu stion
ightn ing NO
in both the abiotic and biotic components of the ecosystem.
Losidation
Plants use photosynthesis for their growth and improvement. In
this procedure, vegetation releases oxygen into the HNO,
which animals depend for their respiration. ecosystem on RIOSPHERE depositon
feed on plant cloth, that is utilized by them Herbivorous
bation
animals dnit
for strength and 1or argN decay cation
their
improvement. Both plants and animals release carbon dioxide
during respiration. They also return smilation NHNH' nútrification NOS
waste they excrete. When fixed carbon to the soil in the
plants and animals die they return their
carbon to the soil. These processes
complete the carbon cycle.
SEDIMENTS

Fig 3.3 Nitrogen Cycle

 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT,AND ECoSYSTEM 67
66
3.3.4OXYGENCYCLE vegetation known as 'producers'. The pyramid has a narrower
The oxygen cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that portrays of
middle
sectionthat depicts the number and biomass of herbivorous
inside and between its three animals, which might
be called 'first order producers'. The apex
development
stores: the (air), of oxygen
the biosphere principle
(living things), and the lithosphere small biomass of carnivorous animals called 'second
the the
depicts
(carth's hull). The fundamental driving element of the oxygen cycle orderconsumers'.
for the modern
photosynthesis, which is responsible Earth's life and animals die, this material is backto the soil
is
atmosphereand life. When plant
damaged down into simpler substances by means of
creators of Oxygen within
after being inclusive of bugs, worms, bacteria and fungi so that
Plants are the main
the atmosphere decomposers
photosynthesis. Here the tree makes use of take in the vitamins via their roots. Animals excrete
carbon dioxide to supply electricity anddreleases Oxygen. daylight
through and
The animals plantlife can after
waste products digesting food, which goes back to the soil.
cycle.
breathe in the oxygen and then breathe out carbon dioxide. The plant
This links the energy cycle to the Nitrogen
canthen use this
carbon dioxide andthe cycle is completed. Plants First Oder Second Order
Coergy fram
(Producers) Consumers Consumers
Atmospheric
oKyen

Photosynthesis Respiration
Decomposers

Plants

Fig 3.5 Energy Cycle

Fig 3.4 Oxygen Cycle
3.3.5 ENERGY CYCLE
The energy cycle is based totally on the flow of energy through
the surroundings. Energy from sunlight is transformed via plants
into developing new plant fabric which includes leaves, plants, fruit,
branches. trunks and roots of vegetation, referred to as
the ecosystem. The herbivorous animals feed on theseproducers
In
plants. Jne
canivores in turn depend on hertbivorous animals on which tny
feed. Thus the unique
plant and animal species are linked to one
anoter through food chains.
The erergy in
fod pyramid or the ecosystem can be depicted within the formbase
ofa
energy Pyramid. The food Pyramid has alarge
3.4 ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION
Ecological succession is a process through which ecosystems
tend to transform over a period of time. Succession can be related
to seasonal environmental changes, which create adjustments in the
community of plant life and animals residing in the surroundings.
There is a tendency for succession to produce a more or less stable
state at the end of the successional stages. The successive levels are
associated with the manner wherein strength flows via the organic
system
Ex: Pond ecosystem - fluctuation from a dry terrestrial habitat to the
early colonisation stage by smallaquatic species after the monson,
Wnich gradually passes through to a mature aquatic ecosystem, and
then reverts back to its dry stage in summer where its aquatic ife
remains dormant.
 ENERGY AND| ENVIRONMENT AND EcosYSTEM 69
68
FOOD WEBSSAND ECOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
throughPYRAMIseriDeSs
3.5FOODCHAINS,energyfromthe source in plants
The transfer
of organisms
of a
byeating and being eaten constitutes food chains. ertiary
chainsare nottisolated sequences, but
are i /Consumer
These foodother.
with each Thisinterlocking patternis known asthe food web.
food webisscalled a trophic level.
interconnected p l nn

Each step ofthe ecological pyramid. These trophic Secondary

Consumers
levels together form the
Pdnary Consuners
Primary
consumer
Secondary
consumer
Grasshoppet/ FROG Primary Prod ucers

Fig 3.7 EnergyPyramld

Teritory
Producer consumcr 16ECOSYSTEMS
GRASS SNAKE 16.1 FOREST ECOSYSTEM
Forests are formed by a community of plants which is

I)-)-O Decomposer)
FUNGI
Final
consumer
HAWK
predominantly structurally defined by its trees, shrubs, climbers and
ground cover.

The forest ecosystem has two parts:

" The non-living or abiotic aspects of the forest: The type
Fig 3.6Food of forest depends upon the abiotic conditions at the site.
ChainA00as OWL
Vegetation is specific to the amount of rainfall and the local
temperature which varies according to latitude and altitude.
HAWK
Sun Energy Tertiary Tertiary
" The living or the biotic aspects of the forest: The plants
consumer consume

and animals form communities that are specific to each

forest type. The biotic component includes both the large
Weasel
(macrophytes) and the microscopic plants and animals.
Plant Types of forest ecosystem
Producer Secondary
consumer Forests in India can be broadly divided into Coniferous forests
and Broad leaved forests. o ebsa
region,
Coniferous forests: Grow in the Himalayanhavemountain stately trees
Grsshopper Spider Shrew tall
wherethe tèmperatures are low. These forests branches
Primary
consumet
Secondary Secondary
consumer with needle like leaves and downward sloping so that the
consumer
Snow can slip off the branches.
Fig 3.7 Food Web
 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT AND ECOSYSTEM
71
70
Theyhave several types, such 3.6.2GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM
Broadleavedforests: as
forests, deciduous forests, thorn forests, and
mangrove
Broadleavedforestsshave large leaves of various shapes. evefrogreestns, Awide
formed
range of Jandscapes in which the vegetation is mainly
bygrassesandIsmall annualplants forma variety of grassland
ecosystems with their specific plants andlanimals. Grasslands cover
in the high
Evergreen forests grow and the rainfall areas of the
areas where rainfall is usually lowand/or the soil depth and quality
Ghats, North
EasternIndia
These forests grow in
areas where
Andaman and
the monsoon lastsNicobar IsWeslands,tem
for trees and
Thelow rainfall prevents the growth of alarge number of
ispoor. shrubs, but is sufficient to support the
growth of grass
leafles phase as in a deciduous
forestsever. l Each grassland
There is no dry the monsoon. ecosystem has a wide
months.
throughout the year. An cover during grasses and herbs.
evergreen forestthus looks greena The trees variety ofspecies of
form continuous
overlap with each other to canopy. Thus
little light penetrates down to the forest floor. very TYPES OF GRASSLANDS
The Himalayan
pasture belt: It extends upto the snowline. The
Deciduous forests are found in regions with a moderate
amount grasslands at'a lower level fom patches along with coniferous or
of seasonal rainfallthat lasts for only afew months. The broadleaved forests. These Himalayan pastures have a large variety of
trees shedtheir leaves during the winter and hot summerdecimonths,
duous
grassesand, herbs. There are also alarge number of medicinal plants.
The forest frequently has athick undergrowth as light can penetrate
easily onto the forest floor. The Terai: This consists of patches of tall grasslands interspersed
with a Sal forest ecosystem. The patches of tall elephant grass, are
Thorn forests are found in the semi- arid regions of India. The located in the low-lying waterlogged areas. The ^al forest patches
tres, which are sparsely distributed, are surrounded by open grassy
areas. Thorny plants are able to conserve water. cover the elevated regions and the Himalayan foothills. The Terai
also includes marshes in low-lying depresions. This ecosystem
extends as a belt south of the Himalayan foothills.
Mangrove forests grow along the coast especially in the river
deltas. These plants are able to grow in a mix of saline and fresh The Semi-arid plains: This is located in Western India, Central
water. They grow luxuriantly in muddy areas covered with silt that India and the Deccan are covered by grassland tracts with patches
the rivers have brought down. The mangrove trees have breathing of thòrn forest and are covered with seasonal grasses and herbs on
roots that emerge from the mud banks.
which its fauna is dependent.
Conservation of forest ecosystem: The forests can be conserved The Shola grasslands: It consist of patches on hillslopes along
only when its resources are used carefully. This can be done D) with the Shola forests on the Western Ghats, Nilgiri and Annamalai
Sing alternate sources of energy instead of fuelwood. There S
a need to Tanges. This forms a patchwork ofgrassland on the slopes and forest
grow more trees than cut down from forests every habitats along the streams and low lying areas.
year for timber. Afforestation needsaresto be done continuously from
which fuelwood and timber can be judiciously used. The natural Conservation of grassland ecosystem: Grasslands should not
forests with alltheir diverse species must be protected as National be Overgrazed and areas of the grasslands should be closed for
Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries where all the plants and animals must be closed every
can be preserved. grazing. Apart of the grassland in an areaestablished. Fires must
year so thatt arotational grazing| pattern is
2 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENTAND EcosYSTEM
andrapidly controlled. To protect the m 73
prevented most
be
undisturbed grassland
ecosystems, Sanctuaries
and Natnatiounalral LIST OF QUESTIONS
1. Define Environment. Mention its scope. Discuss the need for
Parks must be created.
reness.K
public awareness.
3.6.3 DESERT ECOSYSTEM Discuss how the water cycle ecosystem functions.
areas are located in
Deserts and semi-arid Western 3. Elaborate howthe nitrogen cycle ecosystem operates.
Plateau. The climate in these vast tracts is India and
the Deccan
This has sand dunes.
dry.
There are also areas covered with
rains.
extremely
sparse
4. Discuss how oxygen cycle is utilized in the ecosystem.
5. Enumeratethe utilization of carbon in ecosystem.
grasses and afewshrubs, which grow if it therainfall
is years.
and sporadic. In an area it may rain only once every few scanty s Write a short note on ecological succession.
Desertt and semi-arid regions have
a number of highly
insects and reptiles.
specialized 1 What is afood chain, food web and ecological pyramid?
What is an ecosystem? Discuss forest ecosystem. Explain
3.6.4 AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM how conservation of forest can be done.
o Describe grassland ecosystem. What are its types? How
The aquatic ecosystems constitutethe marine environments of conservation of grassland can be made.
the seas and the fresh water systems in lakes, rivers, ponds and
wetlands. These ecosystems provide human beings with a wealth 10. Write a short note on ()) Desert Ecosystem (in) Aquatic
of natural resources. The aquatic ecosystems are classified into Ecosystem.
fresbwater, brackish and marine ecosystems, which are based on REFERENCE
the salinity levels.
1. Textbook for Environmental Studies for Undergraduate
The fresh water ecosystems: They have running water are Courses of all Branches of Higher Education by University
streams and rivers. Ponds, tanks and lakes are ecosystems where grant commission and Bharathi Vidyapeeth Institute of
water does not flow and have expanses of shallow water with environment education and Research, Pune
aquatic vegetation, which forms an ideal habitat for fish, crustacean 2. Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry, by Daiel J. Jacob,
and water birds. Princeton University Press, 1999.
3. Environmental Studies, Raj Kumar Singh, Tata McGraw Hill
Marine ecosystems are highly saline, while brackish areas have India, 2012.
less saline water such as in river deltas.

Brackish waterrecosystems in river deltas are covered by mangrove

forests and are among the world's most productive ecosystems n
terms of biomass production. The largest mangrove swamps arein
the Sundarbans in the delta of
the Ganges.