NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology, Chapter 14 - Ecosystem

In this chapter, we will teach you about the Ecosystem. An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature where certain living organisms live and interact with each other and are also surrounded by a physical environment. An ecosystem can vary in size; some could be small like a pond, whereas some could be big and vast like a forest or the ocean.

Let us take a look at the topics that you will study in Class 12 Biology, Chapter 14, Ecosystem.

14.1 Ecosystem–Structure and Function

14.2. Productivity

14.3 Decomposition

14.4 Energy Flow

14.5 Ecological Pyramids

14.6 Ecological Succession

14.7 Nutrient Cycling

14.8 Ecosystem Services

In this chapter, you will study:

Section 14.1: So far, you have studied about the components that are present in an abiotic and biotic environment. In this section, we will delve into an in-depth discussion about these components which exists in these two environments. The various components of an ecosystem function properly due to the following aspects- productivity, decomposition, energy flow, and nutrient cycle. This has been explained thoroughly with the help of examples in NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 14.

Section 14.2: In this section, you will learn about the two types of productivity- primary productivity and secondary productivity. Primary productivity is defined as the amount of biomass that is produced per unit area, over the time taken, by the plants during the process of photosynthesis. On the other hand, secondary productivity is the rate of formation of a new organic matter which is produced by the consumers.

Section 14.3: In this section, you will learn about decomposition and the critical steps that are required for this process to take place. Decomposition is the process of breaking down of complex organic matter into inorganic matters with the aid of decomposers. The steps that are taken in the process of decomposition are fragmentation, leaching, catabolism, humification, and mineralisation. These five steps have been explained in this section. You can refer to Ecosystem Class 12 NCERT Solutions for further information.

Section 14.4: The sun is the only source of energy for all ecosystems present on Earth. Plants use the energy of the sun to produce food through the process of photosynthesis. In this section, you will learn about energy flow and how vital solar energy is for the sustenance of the ecosystem and all living organisms. Here you will also learn about the trophic levels in the ecosystem.

Section 14.5: In this section, you will learn about the periods of the grassland, biomass, and energy of the ecosystem. This has been explained with the help of diagrams.

Section 14.6: One of the most essential characteristics of all species is that their structure and composition are never static; that is, they keep changing with time. These changes are parallel with the changes in the ecosystem. Ecological succession is the gradual and predictable change in the composition of species of a particular area. Here, you will also learn about the succession of plants.

Section 14.7: In this section, you will study the cycle of nutrients such as carbon, phosphorus, etc in the ecosystem. This cycle is known as nutrient cycling.

Section 14.8: The base of all economic, aesthetic, environmental products and services is a healthy ecosystem. In the final section of chapter 14, you will study the outcomes of the ecosystem called ecosystem services, such as – generation of fertile soils; healthy forest ecosystems purifying air and water; mitigating droughts and floods, cycle nutrients, etc.

To find answers to all questions relating to this chapter, download NCERT Solution of Chapter 14 Biology Class 12, available here at UrbanPro.