Question

The importance of ecosystem lies in-
A. Cycling of materials
B. Flow of energy
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The ecosystem is the structural and functional unit of ecology where living (biotic component) and non-living (abiotic component) interact with each other. It is the study of inter-relationships among the living organisms, biochemical, natural phenomena, and all the human activities in ecological communities.

Complete answer:
Biotic and abiotic factors interact through energy flows and nutrient cycles.
The ecosystem provides habitat to plants and animals. It promotes various food chains and food webs. Regulate essential ecological processes.
An ecosystem can be categorized into its abiotic constituents (minerals, soil, water, sunlight) and biotic constituents comprising all the living.
The most important characteristics of an ecosystem include the cycling of materials and energy flow. For example – Solar energy is trapped by green plants and then converted into a usable form. This usable form of energy further passed on to successive levels like food chains and food webs.
The biogeochemical cycle is a good example of the cycling of material in the ecosystem. In this process, nutrients are released by decomposers back to the environment. This will help in maintaining the ecosystem.

Hence, the importance of the ecosystem lies in both cycling of materials and the flow of energy. So the correct answer is Option (C).

Additional information:
An ecosystem is maintained by the flow of energy. The fundamental source of energy is from the Sun. This energy is then utilized by autotrophs, which are also known as producers. Together the autotrophs and heterotrophs form various trophic energy levels in the ecosystem.

Note: Ecosystem functions as an exchange of energy and nutrients in the food chain. These energy and nutrient exchanges support plant and animal life on the planet as well as the decomposition of organic matter and the production of biomass. There are four types of the ecosystem - Artificial, Terrestrial, Lentic, and Lotic.
Abiotic substances, Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers are the essential components of an ecosystem.