Ecosystem Part 2 Class 12th Biology NCERT NEET Notes

Ecosystem Notes:Producers (Autotrophs):Definition: Organisms that create their own food using sunlight (photosynthesis) or chemicals (chemosynthesis).Examples: Plants (terrestrial), phytoplankton and algae (aquatic).Consumers (Heterotrophs):Primary Consumers (Herbivores):Eat producers.Examples: Insects, deer, zooplankton.Secondary Consumers (Carnivores):Eat primary consumers.Examples: Frogs, wolves.Tertiary Consumers:Top predators that eat secondary consumers.Examples: Lions, eagles.Decomposers (Detritivores):Break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients.Examples: Bacteria, fungi, earthworms.Saprotrophs:Specialize in feeding on dead and decaying matter.Examples: Various fungi and bacteria.Detritivores:Feed on detritus (dead organic matter) and assist in its decomposition.Examples: Beetles, millipedes, some worms.Key Points:Each type of organism contributes to energy flow and nutrient cycling.Producers initiate the food chain, while decomposers and detritivores recycle nutrients.