The components of an ecosystem are seen to function as a unit when which of the following aspects is considered?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → All of these
An ecosystem has living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) parts. These parts are not separate; they work together as one unit. The book shows this through the main aspects of how an ecosystem works: productivity, decomposition, energy flow and nutrient cycling.
Option (1) Productivity — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. Productivity, the rate of biomass production by producers, is one of these aspects.
Option (2) Decomposition — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. Decomposition, the breakdown of dead organic matter by decomposers, is also one of these aspects.
Option (3) Energy flow — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. Energy flow, the one-way movement of energy from the sun to producers and then to consumers, is another aspect.
NCERT Extract:
Ecosystem – Structure and Function – “… The components of the ecosystem are seen to function as a unit when you consider the following aspects: (i) Productivity; (ii) Decomposition; (iii) Energy flow; and (iv) Nutrient cycling.”