Question

What are the three fundamental characteristics of the ecosystem?

Answer 1

An ecosystem comprises an ecological unit that is made from the community of living organisms and their environment. Matter and energy are the two components that are continuously transferring through the system. Various ecosystems vary greatly in size for example a small pond or a large forest.

Complete answer:
Let us gather some information about the ecosystem. An ecosystem has two basic components i.e. an abiotic or the non-living component and the other is the biotic or the living component. The abiotic component consists of inorganic material and dead organic matter that contains proteins, carbohydrates, lipids etc. whereas the biotic components include producers, decomposers and consumers.

The three fundamental characteristics of the ecosystem are-
- It is the base or the primary structure as well as the functional unit of ecology.
- The structure of an ecosystem mainly depends upon the diversity in species it has.
- The main function of the ecosystem is the energy flow and the passing of nutrients in and out of the system.

Additional information: The study of the ecosystem, its components, its benefits and relationships all comes under the study of ecology. Sir Arthur Tansley was the one who coined the term ecology in 1935. In nature, we can observe two categories of the ecosystem – terrestrial and aquatic. Forest, grassland and deserts are examples of terrestrial ecosystems whereas freshwater (ponds & lakes) and saltwater (marine and estuaries) are examples of aquatic ecosystems.

Note:
- The biotic and abiotic components that the ecosystem is made of are interdependent on each other for their survival.
- Another appropriate way of representing an ecosystem structure is through the food relationships of producers and consumers.