Organisms interact in a physical environment through various energy levels in an ecosystem. The purpose of the essay is to name and describe three trophic levels in a biotic ecosystem. Besides, the organisms at each trophic category are mentioned.
The first trophic level in a biotic ecosystem is made of the producers. Producers use the energy from the sun, carbon dioxide, minerals and water to produce food in the process of photosynthesis. These producers are also known as the autotrophs and consist of algae and plants. However, the producers in hydrothermal ecosystems lack sunlight and therefore make food by breaking down energy from the chemical substances in the process known as chemosynthesis (Lefcheck, 6936).
According to Soliveres (456), consumers make the second trophic category of a biotic ecosystem. There are primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers. Primary consumers are organisms which feed directly on the plants and algae (producers) and are known as herbivores. These consumers use the energy from producers to generate food for the secondary consumers. Examples of the primary consumers are animals like snails and molluscs found in the aquatic environment. The secondary consumers like frogs and dogs feed on the primary consumers and generate energy levels required by tertiary consumers. Man and lions are examples of the tertiary consumers which feed on both the primary and secondary consumers. Consumers are known as heterotrophs because they play a role in using energy generated by the producers.
The third trophic level of a biotic ecosystem is made of decomposers which are also known as detritivores because of their role of clearing the ecosystem and maintaining its balance (Soliveres, 456). The decomposers like fungi and bacteria are responsible for breaking down wastes from plants and animals are recycling the broken energy back to producers in the form of inorganic chemicals.
Conclusion
A biotic ecosystem is made up of producers, consumers, and decomposers as the three main trophic levels. These organisms are interdependent, and their roles have a significant impact on the balance of the ecosystem.
Works Cited
Lefcheck, Jonathan S., et al. "Biodiversity enhances ecosystem multifunctionality across trophic levels and habitats." Nature Communications 6 (2015): 6936.
Soliveres, Santiago, et al. "Biodiversity at multiple trophic levels is needed for ecosystem multifunctionality." Nature536.7617 (2016): 456.
