(a) Define ecosystem.
(b) Identify, with examples, two main components of the ecosystem.
(c) Describe the interdependence between the two main components identified in (b) above.
(d) In what two ways can environmental balance be achieved?
Explanation
(a) Ecosystem is the interaction/relationship between organisms and their physical environment
(b) Components of the Ecosystem
(i) Abiotic
(a) The non-living component
(b) The physical component
(c) Examples: soil, water, gases, sunlight, etc.
(ii) Biotic
(a) The living component
(b) The biological component
(c) Examples are animals and plants
(c) Interdependence between the two components
(1) Plants der, end on soil for support and nutrients
(2) All human activities are mainly carried out on the land
(3) Soil, air, and water provide habitat for living organisms
(4) Food produced from the use of sunlight, water and other gases is consumed by animals
(5) Some gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, are returned to nature through respiration and photosynthesis
(6) Dead plants and animals are broken down to form soil by bacterial during decomposition
(d) Ways of achieving environmental Balance
(1) Hydrological (water) cycle
(2) Carbon cycle
(3) Mineral nutrient cycle
(4) Nitrogen cycle
(5) Food chain and food web
(6) Reforestation