Ecosystem.

11 lessons90 min6 simulations10 practice questions

This chapter treats the ecosystem as a working unit of nature. It covers terrestrial, aquatic and man-made ecosystems, their structure (species composition and stratification), the pond as a model, primary and secondary productivity with GPP − R = NPP, the steps of decomposition, one-way energy flow from the sun, grazing and detritus food chains and food webs, trophic levels with the 10 per cent law, and pyramids of number, biomass and energy with their exceptions and limits.

Also called: ecology · energy flow · food chain · ecological pyramids