This category introduces the fundamental concepts of ecosystems, including their structure, components, and the flow of energy and matter.
The energy pyramid is always upright because energy is lost as heat at each trophic level, making energy transfer inefficient.
Ref: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 12: Ecosystem Ecosystem Services and Functions
Zooplankton are consumers that feed on phytoplankton, which are primary producers.
Ref: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 12: Ecosystem Ecosystem Services and Functions
Higher biodiversity contributes to ecosystem stability by ensuring functional redundancy and resilience to disturbances.
Ref: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 12: Ecosystem Ecosystem Services and Functions
Primary producers, such as plants and phytoplankton, convert inorganic substances into organic material through photosynthesis.
Ref: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 12: Ecosystem Ecosystem Services and Functions
Denitrification is the microbial process that converts nitrates back into nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere.
Ref: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 12: Ecosystem Ecosystem Services and Functions
According to the 10% Law, only 10% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next, while the rest is lost as heat.
Ref: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 12: Ecosystem Ecosystem Services and Functions
Decomposers release nitrogen from dead organisms and organic matter into the soil, making it available for plants.
Ref: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 12: Ecosystem Ecosystem Services and Functions
Phytoplankton are primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, performing photosynthesis to produce energy.
Ref: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 12: Ecosystem Ecosystem Services and Functions
A frog is a secondary consumer as it feeds on primary consumers like insects.
Ref: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 12: Ecosystem Ecosystem Services and Functions
Tertiary consumers occupy the highest trophic level and receive the least energy due to energy loss at each transfer.
Ref: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 12: Ecosystem Ecosystem Services and Functions
Carnivores do not belong to the second trophic level; they are secondary or tertiary consumers.
Ref: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 12: Ecosystem Ecosystem Services and Functions
Grasshoppers are herbivores, not detritivores. Detritivores, such as earthworms, fungi, and bacteria, decompose dead organic matter.
Ref: NCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 12: Ecosystem Ecosystem Services and Functions
