CLASS 10 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE
Ecosystems and Matter Cycles – Basic Principles
How it works
An ecosystem is an interplay of a community of organisms (biocenosis) and their habitat (biotope). Matter cycles such as the carbon or nitrogen cycle describe how essential elements circulate between living organisms and the environment. Producers (e.g. plants) convert inorganic substances into organic ones, consumers (animals) take these up, decomposers (e.g. bacteria, fungi) break down organic material again into inorganic substances. Energy flows through food chains, but it is not recycled; instead, it is released as heat.
Note
In ecosystems, living organisms and their environment are connected by matter cycles and energy flows; substances are recycled, energy is lost as heat.
In ecosystems, living organisms and their environment are connected by matter cycles and energy flows; substances are recycled, energy is lost as heat.
An example
What is the main task of decomposers in an ecosystem?
Decomposers break down organic substances from dead organisms and waste into inorganic substances, which can then be used again by producers. This closes the matter cycle.
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50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Biology. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.