Balance in the ecosystem
Balance in the ecosystem
A balanced ecosystem fulfills the need of all of its biotic factors Ecosystems work on w interdependence, i e abiotic and biotic factors work together to fulfil each other's needs. When all the members are satisfied, i.e. there is no increase or decrease in a particular factor, the ecosystem is balanced. In a balanced ecosystem, two types of interactions play a major role:
- Interactions among abiotic and biotic components.
- Interactions among biotic factors.
Interactions Among Abiotic And Biotic Components
Abiotic components are independent of biotic components for their existence. However, they are necessary to support biotic components.
Sunlight helps to prepare food, air provides life gases, water moderates the climate and nourishes organisms, temperature regulates the climate and soil provides nutrients. On the other hand, biotic components depend greatly on abiotic components for food, survival and reproduction.
When abiotic components are present in sufficient quantity and in good quality, a balanced ecosystem is developed. However, if any of the components disturbs (increase, decrease) it affects all other factors. This disruption, if prolong, makes an ecosystem unbalanced.
Biotic interactions
Any relationship between animals and plants is termed plant animal interaction. In general, plants provide shelter and food to animals. These interactions, however, are not so simple. They have the following forms:
1. Commensalism
An interaction in which one member gets benefits from the other but the other remains unaffected is called commensalism (figure 2.1).
Fig. 2.1 Frogs seek shelters of leaves
2. Antagonism
An interaction in which one member (animals mostly) gets benefits and the other (plants mostly) is harmed is called antagonism. Animals consume plants as food. Through this interaction, energy flow becomes activated (figure 2.2 and 2.3)
Fig 2.2 Cabbage maggot eat the cabbage,
Make tunnles in roots and providing
Paths for other pathogens
 |
Fig. 2.3 Flea beetles eat leaves making holes in them |
3. Mutualism
A type of an interaction in which both members are benefitted is called mutualism for example pollination and seed dispersal. In pollination, animals (insects mostly) visit flowers for nectar and pollen. Some pollens get attached to their bodies which are then transferred to other plants. Similarly, lightweight seeds are dispersed (figure. 2.4 and 2.5 ).
Fig 2.4 milkweed plant provides food And shelters to ants whereas ants protect the plant against browsing animals
Fig. 2.5 Bees take nectar from flowers
And get the pollens attached to their body.
hence,help in pollination.
