Ecosystem Dynamics: Energy Flow, Cycles, and Succession

Energy and Matter Dynamics

The flow of energy: It is an open process. The cycle of matter: It is a closed cyclic process.

Trophic Parameters

• Biomass: The amount of organic matter accumulated in an individual, a trophic level, or an ecosystem population.
• Production: The amount of energy stored as biomass in each trophic level per unit of time.
• Productivity: Expresses the profitability and status of a trophic level by linking production with biomass.

Biogeochemical Cycles

These are specific elements that perform chemical cycles through the biocenosis and biotope of an ecosystem.

Ecological Succession

The sequence of changes that occur in an ecosystem as a result of its internal dynamics.

General Changes in Succession

• Increased species diversity.
• Increased structural complexity.
• Increased biomass.
• Increased efficiency in energy use.
• Decreased productivity.
• Increased ecosystem stability.

Succession Types

• Climax Community: The ideal state of an ecosystem at the end of a succession process.
• Primary Succession: Occurs in a place that has not previously been colonized by living beings.
• Secondary Succession: Occurs in an area where a community previously existed but was partially or totally eliminated.

Environmental Resistance

A set of biotic and abiotic factors that limit the growth of a population.

Breeding Strategies

• r-Strategists: Opportunistic or pioneer species inhabiting unstable ecosystems or early stages of development (e.g., bacteria, algae).
• K-Strategists: Specialist species adapted to live in stable environments.

Ecological Concepts and Resources

Plague: A species that alters the balance of its population, growing suddenly and dramatically, causing harm to other living beings, the ecosystem, or human activities.

Natural Resources: Everything that humans take from nature to make profits and satisfy needs.

• Renewable Resources: Those that can regenerate over time or whose lifespan exceeds human consumption.
• Non-renewable Resources: Those that do not regenerate; reserves tend to decrease as they are consumed.