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Ecosystem

ICSE · Class 12 · Biology

Quick revision notes for Ecosystem — ICSE Class 12 Biology. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.

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A flowchart illustrating the sequential and simultaneous steps involved in the decomposition of detritus: fragmentation, leaching, catabolism, humification, and mineralisation.
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Key Topics to Revise

1

  • Ecosystem: coined by G. Tansley, 1935 = biotic + abiotic components interacting together
  • EP Odum (1962): basic functional unit of ecology
  • Forbes & Mobius (1877): first described ecosystem concept (called biotic community)
2

  • Biotic components: (1) Producers/Autotrophs — green plants, algae, cyanobacteria; fix solar energy via photosynthesis; (2) Consumers/Heterotrophs — herbivores (primary), carnivores (secondary, tertiar
  • Abiotic components: temperature, water (H2O), light (sunlight), humidity, wind, pH, mineral elements, topography
  • Pond ecosystem: abiotic (water, CO2, O2, minerals); producers (phytoplankton, algae, Chara, Hydrilla); consumers (zooplankton, insects, fish, frogs, birds); decomposers (bacteria, fungi in bottom sedi
3

  • PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) = wavelengths 400-700 nm; only 2-10% of total solar radiation used by plants
  • Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) = total rate of photosynthesis = total energy fixed per unit area per unit time
  • Net Primary Productivity (NPP) = GPP − Respiration (R) = energy available to consumers
4

  • Decomposition = breakdown of dead organic matter (detritus) into inorganic nutrients
  • Step 1 — Fragmentation: detritivores (earthworms, millipedes, woodlice) break detritus into smaller pieces — increases surface area
  • Step 2 — Leaching: water-soluble inorganic and organic nutrients move into soil below

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Detailed revision notes for Ecosystem including key definitions, important diagrams, formulas, and concepts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Ecosystem for ICSE Class 12 Biology?
Key topics in Ecosystem include Decomposition Steps in Sequence, Carbon Cycle — Simplified, Biotic Components of an Ecosystem. These are the concepts ICSE Class 12 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Ecosystem — ICSE Class 12 Biology?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 60 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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