Create Ecosystem Models

An ecosystem includes all living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) things in an area. Every component plays a role, and together they form a balanced, self-sustaining system. Understanding ecosystems helps us build model ecosystems and protect real ones.

Biotic Components (Living)

• Plants — producers that use sunlight to make their own food through photosynthesis.
• Animals — consumers that eat plants or other animals to get energy.
• Fungi — decomposers that break down dead organic matter.
• Bacteria — microscopic decomposers that return nutrients to the soil.

Abiotic Components (Non-living)

• Sunlight — provides energy that drives photosynthesis and warms the ecosystem.
• Water — essential for all living things; shapes the type of ecosystem.
• Soil — provides minerals and support for plant roots.
• Temperature — determines which organisms can survive in an area.
• Air — supplies oxygen and carbon dioxide for living things.

Energy Flow in an Ecosystem

• Energy flows from producers to primary consumers to secondary consumers to decomposers.
• Producers (plants) capture sunlight and convert it into food.
• Primary consumers (herbivores) eat plants and transfer energy up the chain.
• Secondary consumers (carnivores) eat herbivores and help control their populations.
• Decomposers break down dead matter and return nutrients to the soil.

Model Ecosystems

• A terrarium is a model of a land ecosystem — it includes soil, plants, and small animals.
• An aquarium is a model of a water ecosystem — it includes water, aquatic plants, and fish.
• A model ecosystem must include producers, consumers, and decomposers to be complete.