Chapter 14 of 15
Revision Notes
Ecosystems and Energy Flow — Revision Notes
Maharashtra Board · Class 12 · Biology
Ecosystems and Energy Flow revision notes for Maharashtra Board Class 12 Biology: 4 topics in quick points. Includes 1 Ecosystem Structure and Function, 2.
45 questions25 flashcards5 concepts
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Key Topics to Revise
1
14.1 Ecosystem Structure and Function
- Ecosystem coined by Tansley (1935) - includes biotic and abiotic components in interaction
- Classification: Natural ecosystems (self-sustaining) vs Artificial ecosystems (require human input)
- Terrestrial ecosystems: Forest, grassland, desert
2
14.2 Energy Flow in Ecosystems
- Sun is the ultimate source of energy for all ecosystems (except deep-sea ecosystems)
- Only <50% of solar radiation is Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)
- Plants capture only 2-10% of PAR - this sustains the entire living world
3
14.3 Ecological Pyramids
- Ecological pyramids represent relationships between organisms at different trophic levels
- Concept developed by Charles Elton (1927)
- Three types: Pyramid of Numbers, Pyramid of Biomass, Pyramid of Energy
4
14.4 Biogeochemical Cycles
- Nutrients are recycled indefinitely in ecosystems - never lost
- Two types: Gaseous cycles (reservoir = atmosphere) and Sedimentary cycles (reservoir = Earth's crust)
- Carbon Cycle: 71% of global carbon in oceans, 49% of organism dry weight is carbon
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Full NotesKey Concepts
Ecosystems show spatial patterns like stratificationPrimary productivity measures the rateDecomposition breaks down dead organic matterEnergy flows unidirectionally from sunEcological pyramids represent trophic relationships graph...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important topics in Ecosystems and Energy Flow for Maharashtra Board Class 12 Biology?
Key topics in Ecosystems and Energy Flow include 1 Ecosystem Structure and Function, 2 Energy Flow in Ecosystems, 3 Ecological Pyramids, 4 Biogeochemical Cycles. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the Maharashtra Board Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise Ecosystems and Energy Flow for the Maharashtra Board Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 45 practice questions on Ecosystems and Energy Flow. Revise 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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