5.1 Small ecosystems

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microbes) in conjunction with the non-living components of their environment (things like air, water, and mineral soil), interacting as a system. 

A biome is a larger community of plants and animals that occupies a major habitat. For example, a desert or a rainforest biome. Biomes are characterised by the dominant types of vegetation and climate patterns and can span across multiple countries or even continents

• Producers: Plants and algae convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, starting the food chain.

• Consumers: These include all the animals that eat the producers (like insects, tadpoles, and fish).

• Decomposers: Organisms like bacteria and fungi that break down dead material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

• Food Webs: The interconnected food chains that show how energy is transferred through eating and being eaten.

• Nutrient Cycling: The process of decomposition and nutrient uptake by plants that sustains the productivity of the ecosystem.

• Biotic components include all the living parts of an ecosystem — animals, plants, microbes, fungi, etc. 

• Abiotic components refer to the non-living factors that influence an ecosystem. These can include sunlight, temperature, water, minerals, air, and soil. 

• Pond Bottom: This area has low oxygen and light. Decomposers like water worms and scavengers such as rat-tailed maggots live here, breaking down dead material.

• Mid-Water: Predatory fish dominate this zone, where food sources are located at the pond bottom or surface. Creatures like sticklebacks, water fleas, and dragonfly nymphs breathe through gills or skin.

• Pond Surface: High in oxygen and light, this layer supports animals that breathe in various ways. Ducks, water boatmen, midge larvae, and tadpoles are typical inhabitants.

• Pond Margin: Rich in light and oxygen, this zone is ideal for plant life and provides shelter for insects and amphibians, with plants like marsh marigold flourishing.

• Above the Pond Surface: Birds, such as kingfishers, and insects, including dragonflies, are frequently found in this area, engaging in feeding and other activities.

Misconception 1: Ponds are simple, isolated water bodies.

Reality: Even a small pond is a complex ecosystem with a dynamic food web and significant biodiversity