Ecosystems Simulations

Ecosystems Simulations Visually

Learn about ecosystems with interactive simulations and visualizations. Explore energy flow, food webs, biogeochemical cycles, and ecological interactions through hands-on examples.

Ecosystems Producers & Consumers Energy Flow Nutrient Cycles Species Interactions Population Dynamics Visual Simulation
Introduction Energy Flow Cycles Interactions Simulations Calculators Differences Exercises oPc

Introduction to Ecosystems

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (biotic factors) in conjunction with the nonliving components (abiotic factors) of their environment, interacting as a system. These biotic and abiotic components are linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows.

Producers

Primary producers form the base of ecosystems

Consumers

Primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers

Decomposers

Break down organic matter and recycle nutrients

Producers Consumers Decomposers Energy Flow Nutrient Cycles

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Energy flows through ecosystems in a one-way direction, from primary producers to various levels of consumers. Energy is not recycled but is constantly supplied by the sun and eventually lost as heat.

Only about 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next, which is known as the 10% rule. This limits the number of trophic levels in an ecosystem.

Key Points:
  • Energy flows in one direction through ecosystems
  • Primary producers capture solar energy through photosynthesis
  • Energy transfer efficiency is about 10% between trophic levels
  • Energy is lost as heat at each trophic level
  • Food chains and food webs represent energy pathways
10%

Biogeochemical Cycles

Biogeochemical cycles are pathways by which chemical substances move through the biotic and abiotic components of Earth. These cycles are essential for maintaining life on Earth.

The major biogeochemical cycles include the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, phosphorus cycle, and water cycle. These cycles ensure that essential elements are continuously recycled in ecosystems.

Key Points:
  • Chemical elements are recycled through ecosystems
  • Major cycles include carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and water
  • Living organisms play crucial roles in these cycles
  • Human activities can disrupt natural cycles
  • Cycles connect local ecosystems to global processes

Ecological Interactions

Ecological interactions are relationships between organisms that can affect their survival, reproduction, and evolution. These interactions can be positive, negative, or neutral for the organisms involved.

Common types of ecological interactions include predation, parasitism, competition, mutualism, commensalism, and amensalism. These interactions shape community structure and ecosystem dynamics.

Key Points:
  • Predation: one organism benefits, the other is harmed
  • Competition: both organisms are negatively affected
  • Mutualism: both organisms benefit
  • Commensalism: one benefits, the other is unaffected
  • Parasitism: one benefits, the other is harmed

Real-World Applications

Conservation Biology

Understanding ecosystems helps protect biodiversity and restore damaged habitats.

  • Identifying keystone species for protection
  • Designing wildlife corridors
  • Restoring degraded ecosystems

Agricultural Systems

Ecosystem principles guide sustainable farming and pest management practices.

  • Integrated pest management
  • Crop rotation systems
  • Soil health maintenance

Environmental Management

Ecosystem services guide environmental policy and resource management.

  • Water purification systems
  • Carbon sequestration projects
  • Wetland restoration

Interactive Ecosystem Simulations

Food Web Simulator

Population Dynamics Visualization

Producers: 50
Primary Consumers: 30
Secondary Consumers: 15
Decomposers: 20
Energy Flow: 100%

Adjust population parameters to see how they affect ecosystem balance.

Ecosystem Calculators

Energy Transfer Calculator

Energy at Next Level: 100 kJ

Energy Lost: 900 kJ

Biodiversity Index Calculator

Species z9f: 10

Species dDJ: 0.85

Shannon Index: 2.3

Differences from Other Fields

Ecosystems vs. Communities

Ecosystems
  • Include both biotic and abiotic components
  • Focus on energy flow and nutrient cycling
  • Study interactions between organisms and environment
  • Consider matter and energy transformations
Communities
  • Include only biotic components
  • Focus on species interactions
  • Study population dynamics
  • Consider species composition and diversity

Ecosystems vs. Populations

Ecosystems
  • Multiple species and environmental factors
  • Complex energy and nutrient flows
  • Broad spatial and temporal scales
  • Focus on system-level processes
Populations
  • Single species only
  • Focus on demographic processes
  • Narrow spatial and temporal scales
  • Study individual species dynamics

Example Exercises

Problem: In a forest ecosystem, primary producers capture 10,000 kJ of energy per day. Calculate the energy available to primary consumers, secondary consumers, and tertiary consumers assuming 10% transfer efficiency.

Solution:

  • Primary producers: 10,000 kJ
  • Primary consumers: 10,000 × 0.10 = 1,000 kJ
  • Secondary consumers: 1,000 × 0.10 = 100 kJ
  • Tertiary consumers: 100 × 0.10 = 10 kJ

This demonstrates why there are typically few trophic levels in ecosystems.

Problem: Identify and explain the major processes in the carbon cycle and their role in maintaining atmospheric CO₂ levels.

Solution:

  • Photosynthesis: Removes CO₂ from atmosphere, converts to organic compounds
  • Respiration: Releases CO₂ back to atmosphere from all organisms
  • Decomposition: Releases CO₂ as decomposers break down organic matter
  • Combustion: Rapid release of CO₂ through burning of fossil fuels
  • Diffusion: Exchange of CO₂ between atmosphere and oceans

These processes maintain dynamic equilibrium in the carbon cycle.

Problem: Compare primary and secondary succession in ecosystems.

Solution:

Primary Succession
  • Occurs in areas with no soil
  • Slower process
  • Starts with pioneer species
  • Example: succession on bare rock
Secondary Succession
  • Occurs in areas with existing soil
  • Faster process
  • Soil already present
  • Example: succession after forest fire

Both lead to climax communities over time.

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1: What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?
Question 2: Which organisms are responsible for decomposing dead organic matter?
Question 3: What percentage of energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?
Question 4: Which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the carbon cycle?
Question 5: What type of ecological interaction benefits both organisms involved?
Question 6: Which component is NOT part of an ecosystem?