Aquatic ecology and Biodiversity

Unit 2- Ecosystem ecology

2.2. Functions of an ecosystem

Functions of an ecosystem are dynamic and continuous. Ecosystem functions mainly comprise the interactions of various components in an ecosystem. They are interconnected by energy, nutrients and minerals. The survival of an ecosystem depends on

• Flow of energy-- Non cyclic food chain
• Biogeochemical cycle –Cyclic food chain - circulation of nutrients and minerals.
• Important functions of an ecosystem are
• Energy
• Primary production
• Secondary production
• Food chain
• Food web
• Trophic levels
• Energy flow
• Ecological pyramid
• Biogeochemical cycles