Components of Ecosystem - Biotic and Abiotic Last Updated : 22 Apr, 2025 Summarize Comments Improve Suggest changes Share Like Article Like Report The ecosystem is derived from the Greek word 'Oikos' which means home and 'systema' means system i.e a limited space in which living beings interact with each other and environmental factors. Every ecosystem consists of two components, namely, biotic components and abiotic components. Biotic components refer to all living organisms in an ecology while abiotic components of an ecosystem are the non-living things. The components of an ecosystem are seen to function as a unit. In this article, we will cover the Ecosystem and its components notes. Table of Content What is Ecosystem?Components of Ecosystem Abiotic Components of EcosystemEffects of Abiotic Factors on OrganismBiotic Components of EcosystemFood Chain and Food Web Conclusion - Ecosystem and its ComponentsFAQs on Ecosystem and its ComponentsWhat is Ecosystem?The ecosystem is made of 2 factors i.e., biotic and abiotic components. Both components maintain an equilibrium in the ecosystem. The functional components of an ecosystem are:Abiotic factorsProducers ConsumersDecomposersComponents of Ecosystem Ecosystem is mainly divided into 2 components i.e. Biotic and Abiotic Ecosystem. The flowchart of components of ecosystem is given below:Abiotic Components of EcosystemAbiotic components of ecosystem is the non-living or physical components like air, weather, water, temperature, humidity, altitude, the pH level of soil, type of soil, etc. which affect living beings in terms of growth, development, maintenance, and reproduction. These are also known as ecological factors. These factors affect the life of species in all forms of environmental conditions such as in water or on land. Abiotic components change from one ecosystem to another. There are three types of abiotic components: Edaphic FactorsEdaphic means floor or ground surface. This factor basically includes soil and substratum. The texture of the soil, its nutrient composition, and its density tell about the type of species or trees that will grow there.Topographic FactorsThis includes surface exposure altitude, slope, etc. Human activities lead to modification in these components. They have an impact on various biotic and abiotic factors. Such as farming, mining, and forest cutting.Climate FactorsThese factors are based on the atmosphere and include light, temperature, humidity, and wind. The speed of the wind and its direction influence the humidity of an area. Similarly, the temperature of the lives of many species for eg. Some species require a particular temperature to survive.Effects of Abiotic Factors on OrganismAn organism has many ways in which it responds to abiotic factors.Conformers: These organisms lack the ability to regulate their body temperatures, so they adapt themselves to the varying environmental conditions or migrate to other places.Regulators: These are those organisms that maintain their body conditions irrespective of the environment. For eg., humans maintain their body temperature at 37°C in both summer and winter.Migrate: There are many organisms that can not able to maintain their body conditions according to their respective environment. Such organisms in order to survive migrate to a region that suits their body conditions. For eg., the Siberian crane migrates to India when the conditions are not supportive of its survival.Diapause: It is a natural eruption in the development of some animals by the decrease of metabolic activity. Mostly found in insects, mites, a few crabs, and snails.Suspend: When the condition is not according to the organisms instead of migrating they enter a stage of suspension where their growth and development are suspended for a particular period of time. For eg., Bears went into hibernation in winter.Biotic Components of EcosystemBiotic means are related to living. It contains all living components such as animal, plants, and the microorganisms like fungi, etc. As they use energy for their survival so on the basis of energy requirements they are divided into three parts:ProducerProducers basically include trees that fulfill the requirements of other organisms for food and oxygen. Through photosynthesis, they gain the energy required by them under the presence of chlorophyll and sunlight.ConsumerIt includes carnivores, herbivores and omnivores. Carnivores depend on flesh for their food requirements. Herbivores eat plants and get energy from them. Omnivores eat both plants and flesh. Consumers help in maintaining the balance in the ecosystem by following the food chain.DecomposerThese are also called saprophytes. These are the organisms that feed on dead and decay and convert them into organic compounds. They are important for the nutrient content in the soil. With more will be nutrients more species and trees can able to grow.Also Read: Role of Decomposers in EcosystemFood Chain and Food Web A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another. Whereas a food web consists of all the food chains in a single ecosystem. A food chain usually starts with a producer and ends with a top carnivore. The energy flow from one level to another level in a food chain gives the trophic level of an ecosystem. The producers come at first trophic level followed by herbivores (primary consumers), then small carnivores (secondary consumers) and large carnivores (tertiary consumers) occupy the fourth trophic level.Conclusion - Ecosystem and its ComponentsEvery ecosystem has two components, namely, biotic components and abiotic components. Biotic components refer to all living organisms in an ecology while abiotically refers to the non-living things. These biotic and abiotic interactions maintain the equilibrium in the environment. Various components of ecosystem are interdependent. Also Read:Our Environment – Components, Importance & TypesEnergy Flow of EcosystemWhat is a Natural Ecosystem?Food Chains and Food Webs Comment More infoAdvertise with us Next Article CBSE Notes for Class 10 Science S simranjeetkaur1661 Follow Improve Article Tags : School Learning Class 10 Biology Biology-Class-10 Ecology +1 More Similar Reads CBSE Notes for Class 10 Science CBSE Class 10 Science Notes 2023-2024 are developed by experts from the latest class 10 science textbooks. These Class 10 Quick Revision notes help students to score well in the upcoming CBSE Board exams. CBSE Science Notes for Class 10 is a crucial study material for students. CBSE Class 10 Science 13 min read Chapter 1 - Chemical Reactions and EquationsChemical Equations - Definition, Representation, TypesChemical reactions are the processes that result in the formation of new substances with new properties. Chemical reactions cause changes in the environment. A rearrangement of atoms occurs between the reacting components during chemical reactions, resulting in the formation of new compounds with fu 7 min read Types of Chemical ReactionsTypes of Chemical Reactions as the name suggests explores the classification of various types of chemical reactions based on different parameters. As we are surrounded by chemical reactions in our daily lives. From burning a match stick to making food all of the things and events in our lives involv 13 min read Effects of Oxidation Reactions in Everyday LifeThe addition of an oxygen atom to a compound is referred to as oxidation. This process's inverse is known as reduction and involves the removal of an electron. Biological oxidation is a biological process in which electrons are lost, as opposed to reduction, which involves the gain of electrons. How 9 min read Chapter 2 - Acids, Bases, and SaltsAcids and BasesAn acid is a substance that is capable of donating a proton (hydrogen ion) to another substance. A base is a molecule able to donate OH- ion/strong>. Acidic substances are usually identified by their sour taste. Acids have a sour taste and are corrosive i.e. exposure to acid on human skin can cau 12 min read What do All Bases Have in Common?Acids and bases are two of the most significant groups of chemicals in chemistry. Several characteristics are shared by all acids: They all have a sour flavour and react with most metals to produce hydrogen gas (H2) and baking soda to produce carbon dioxide (CO2). Because acids create ions when diss 4 min read Strength of AcidsAcids are a molecule or other species which can donate a proton or accept an electron pair in reactions. When acids react with H2O, they create hydrogen ions; the strength of an acid is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. A higher number of hydrogen ions indicates that th 6 min read What is meant by Family of Salts?We have a good understanding of acids and bases in modern chemistry (also called alkalis). Acids and bases are utilised as laboratory reagents, industrial catalysts, culinary additives, and cleaning products, and they pervade our life from the laboratory to the kitchen. However, it took centuries fo 8 min read Chapter 3 - Metals and nonâmetalsPhysical Properties of Metals and Non-metalsAll the Objects we use in our daily life are divided into Metals and Non-Metal, By their properties, we can say which is Metal and which is Non-Metal, so in this article, we will learn what exactly are metals and non-metals and discuss their physical properties Metals Metals are natural compounds of 3 min read Chemical Properties of MetalsMetals and nonmetals play an essential role in our daily lives. We cannot live without nonmetals such as oxygen, and we would struggle to survive if metals did not exist. What is the chemistry underlying these substances? Let's learn more about metals and nonmetals' chemical characteristics. In a ch 11 min read Chemical Properties of Metals and Non-metalsEvery metal and non-metal has different physical and chemical properties which distinguish them from each other. Our daily activities have a close relationship with these chemical properties of the metals and non-metals to understand deeply how they will react when combined with different things. In 6 min read Occurrence and Extraction of MetalsMetals are minerals or substances that occur naturally beneath the Earth's surface. The majority of metals are lustrous or glossy. Metals are inorganic, which implies they were formed from non-living substances. Metals are typically found in the form of metal ores, which are linked to one another an 6 min read CorrosionCorrosion is a chemical phenomenon that we observe regularly in our daily life. Corrosion occurs in metal and in corrosion reaction metal react with air and moisture from the surrounding to form the more stable compounds of the atom that include oxides and hydroxides. Generally, rusting of iron is a 10 min read Chapter 4 - Carbon and its CompoundsCovalent BondA covalent bond is formed when two atoms exchange one or more pairs of electrons. Both the atomic nuclei of the shared atom together attract these electrons. When the difference between the electronegativities of two atoms is too small for an electron transfer to take place to create ions, a covalen 11 min read What are Hydrocarbons?Alkanes and cycloalkanes are hydrocarbons with no double or triple bond functional groups, depending on whether the carbon atoms of the molecule are organized in chains or rings. Alkenes and alkynes are hydrocarbons with double or triple bonds, respectively. The following mentioned are the rules for 11 min read Chemical Properties of Carbon CompoundsHydrocarbons are the most abundant carbon compounds such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. We'll now discuss some of the chemical properties of hydrocarbons, which are carbon compounds. Combustion reactions, substitution reactions, and addition reactions are the chemical properties that will be disc 9 min read Classification of Organic CompoundsOrganic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds. In other words, we can say that all organic compounds 12 min read Cleansing Action of Soaps and DetergentsIn our day to day lives, we often use detergents and soaps to clean the dirt off our clothes. Have you ever wondered what soap molecule is made up of or how it cleanses the dirt? In this article, we shall look upon the structure of soap and its cleansing action but before that, we shall give a simpl 6 min read Chapter 5 - Life ProcessNutrition In Human Beings - Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Proteins and FatsNourishment is a cycle by which an organic entity gets supplements from food and uses them to get energy and for building and fixing its tissues. All living life forms don't acquire food by a similar interaction, for example, plants and a few microbes have the green color chlorophyll to assist with 10 min read RespirationRespiration is an essential biological activity in which the exchange of gases between an organism and its surroundings occurs, producing the energy needed for cellular functions. All living things, from the most basic bacteria to intricate complex organisms like humans, experience it. There are two 7 min read Body Fluids and CirculationClass 11 Notes Body Fluids and Circulation: Body liquids are the mode of transport of supplements, oxygen, and other significant substances in the body. They supply the cells with oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products, which are then excreted in the urine. As body temperature rises, blood f 10 min read Means of Transportation In PlantsPlants are very important for our daily needs. Plants give oxygen because of photosynthesis by taking carbon dioxide that we release this is why plants are important for our living process. The plant is the first living organism on the earth. One living organism that is in every part of the earth is 8 min read Human Excretory SystemThe human excretory system, also known as the urinary system, comprises kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The human excretory system filters waste products and excess substances from the bloodstream, resulting in the formation of urine. In addition to waste elimination, the excretory system pl 11 min read Excretion In Plants - Definition, Types, Transpiration, ExamplesExcretion in plants is the process via which plants eliminate waste products and other unwanted substances from their cells and tissues. Plants produce metabolic waste products like other organisms, such waste products are must be removed from the plant's body to maintain its health and survival. Pl 4 min read Chapter 6 - Control and CoordinationHuman Nervous System - Structure, Function, and TypesThe Human Nervous System is a network of specialized cells and tissues that includes the brain, spinal cord, and a complex network of peripheral nerves. The types of nervous systems and their functions are discussed in this article. The human nervous system is responsible for receiving, transmitting 8 min read Reflex ActionReflex action is an involuntary and automatic response to a specific stimulus. Reflex action is a type of behavior that is not consciously controlled by the brain, but rather, it is mediated by the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Reflex action is an essential survival mechanism that allows an org 4 min read Brain Anatomy: Structure, Parts, and FunctionThe Human Brain is a complex organ and is also known as the central processing unit of the body. It is enclosed inside the bony covering called the cranium (or skull). The brain consists of the cerebrum, responsible for higher cognitive functions; the cerebellum, involved in coordination and balance 9 min read Coordination in PlantsCoordination in plants is the mechanisms and processes via which plants react and adapt to changes in their environment. As plants don't have nervous system like animals does, plant exhibit a remarkable ability to coordinate their growth, development, and responses to various stimuli. Plant coordina 6 min read Movement Due to Growth in PlantsControl is characterized as the force of limiting and managing by which a cycle can be begun, directed in speed to accelerate or dial back or stop totally. Coordination can be characterized as the cooperating of the various frameworks of a creature to deliver a suitable response to upgrades. The coo 6 min read Hormones In AnimalsHormones in Animals are small chemical secretions that are produced by special glands known as Endocrine Glands. All animals including humans produce hormones that allow the body to perform specific functions. Hormones are of different types- peptide-based, amino acid-derived, or steroid-based. Some 8 min read Chapter 7 - How do Organisms Reproduce?Importance of VariationVariations occur due to struggling between organisms for food, shelter, and other resources in an environment, which makes the organisms more adaptive and strong in comparison to other struggling organisms that fail to adapt or dominate in the struggling environment. So, if an organism develops vari 3 min read Human Reproductive SystemThe human reproductive system female and male function to produce and transport gametes to facilitate fertilization. The human male reproductive system consists of the testes and the female reproductive system consists of the ovaries. Understanding the male and female reproductive systems is crucial 8 min read Reproductive Health Class Notes BiologyReproductive Health includes sexual health and satisfying sexual life and a healthy capability to reproduce. It is a complete physical, mental, and social well-being and it does not mean any absence of disease or abnormality in the reproductive system. It deals with the functioning of the reproducti 4 min read Chapter 8 - HeredityHeredityThe transmission of particular characters from parents to offspring is termed Heredity and Evolution. When a living organism is developed or gradually progressed from a simple life form to a complex organism it is termed Evolution. In all living organisms, the rules of inheritance determine the patt 10 min read How do the Traits and Characters get expressed?The most fundamental and important aspects of biology are heredity and evolution, which are connected by inheritable features. These two terminologies assist us in learning and comprehending how the life cycle on Earth continues. Both concepts are tied to one another, and there can be no evolution w 8 min read Evolution - Introduction, Causes, Need, ExamplesThe term "heritability" describes the transmission of traits from generation to generation. The slow process through which a rudimentary living form develops into sophisticated organisms over the course of many generations is known as evolution. Evolution is a perceptible shift in a population's her 6 min read Acquired and Inherited Traits - Definition, Differences, ExamplesTo ensure the survival of one species, it is very much necessary to have a reproduction process. In the reproduction process, there are two types of reproduction, namely asexual and sexual reproduction. Some amount of variation can be observed in the new ones. In asexual reproduction, these variatio 9 min read Speciation and EvolutionThrough the process of reproduction, individuals give rise to new individuals that are similar (not the same) to the parents. This similarity in progeny or offspring or child is due to the transmission of characters or traits from parents to their progeny. The transfer of characters from parents to 5 min read Basis of ClassificationCells are one of the most important characteristics of living beings because they are the basic beginning of life. They are the basic unit of life that perform specific functions. All of these cells combine to form a tissue. All over the world, there is an abundance of living organisms. Mega biodive 6 min read Tracing Evolutionary RelationshipsThe transfer of traits from one generation to the next is known as heredity, also known as inheritance or biological inheritance. Whether by asexual reproduction or sexual reproduction, the offspring cells or organisms acquire the genetic makeup of their parents. Variations between people can accumu 10 min read FossilsA fossil is a preserved remnant, impression, or trace of an animal or plant from a past geologic age by some natural process. Just a small proportion of extinct species have been preserved as fossils, and often only those with a solid skeleton are capable of being preserved. A calcareous skeleton or 13 min read Evolution Of Humans - History, Stages, Characteristics, FAQsHumans, or Homo sapiens, are a species of upright-walking beings known for their cultural diversity, inhabiting the Earth's surface. Believed to have originated in Africa around 315,000 years ago, human evolution is a complex process involving the development of traits such as bipedalism and languag 6 min read Chapter 9 - Light â Reflection and RefractionReflection of LightReflection or Reflection of light is the process of bouncing back light rays when it strikes the smooth and shiny reflecting surface. It is due to the reflection of light we are able to see ourselves in the Plane mirror. Light from our incident on the plane mirror gets reflected and so we are able t 6 min read Refraction of LightRefraction is an important term used in the Ray Optics branch of Physics. Refraction of light is defined as the change in direction or the bending of a wave passing from one medium to another due to the change in speed of the wave. Some natural phenomena occurring in nature where refraction of light 11 min read Spherical MirrorsSpherical mirrors are generally constructed from glass. A spherical surface is a part cut from a hollow sphere. This curved surface of the glass has a silver coating on one side and a polished surface on the other, where the reflection of light takes place. The term "convex mirror" refers to a mirro 11 min read Image Formation by Spherical MirrorImage Formation by Spherical Mirror-You might have observed that the image formed in the side view mirror of a car is smaller while the image formed in the rear-view mirror is larger than the actual size of the objects. The dentist uses a small mirror to examine the teeth of a patient. You might hav 8 min read Image Formation in Convex MirrorConvex Mirror also called Diverging Mirror is a curved reflective surface that bulges outward. The image formed by a convex mirror is always erect, virtual, and diminished in size. The image formed by a convex mirror is generally formed behind the mirror. In this article, we will understand the mean 6 min read Sign Convention for Spherical MirrorsSign Convention for Spherical Mirrors: While studying the reflection of light by spherical mirrors and the formation of images by spherical mirrors, a set of sign conventions are needed to learn that is required to measure the focal length, the distance of the object or image from the mirror, and th 10 min read Mirror Formula and MagnificationThe light gets reflected or refracted from the surfaces or medium. Any surface which is polished or in other words shiny always acts like a mirror be it of any kind. The observation of light bouncing off or getting back from the surfaces is termed as reflection. The light after the case of reflectio 9 min read Refractive IndexRefractive Index is a property of any material which is used to define the ratio between the speed of light in a medium to the speed in a vacuum. It is denoted by the symbol μ. When travelling in a medium other than the vacuum light particles are absorbed and re-emit by the medium which slows down t 12 min read Image Formation by LensesIn optics, a ray is a geometrical representation of the light that is idealized by choosing a curve that is perpendicular to the wave fronts of actual light and points in the energy flow direction. Rays are used to represent the propagation of light through an optical system by separating the real l 9 min read Lens Sign ConventionA lens in optics is a transparent device with curved surfaces that refract light. It can be converging or diverging based on its shape. The lens sign convention, or Cartesian sign convention, helps determine the nature, size, and position of images formed by lenses accurately. It clarifies the posit 9 min read Lens Formula and MagnificationThe light is an electromagnetic, transverse, wave that can be seen or caught by the typical human eye. The wave nature of light was first illustrated through the experiments on diffraction and interference. When these light rays fall onto the lenses then lenses behave depending on the type of lens i 12 min read Power of a lensWrite a program to determine the power of a lens . Power of a lens is its ability to bend light . For a convex lens, the converging ability is defined by power and in a concave lens, the diverging ability . The diopter ( D ) is the unit of measuring power of a lens . The power is defined as the reci 3 min read Like