Our Environment Class 10 Science — Revision Notes
This chapter examines the components of the environment and relationships between organisms and their surroundings. Students learn about ecosystems, food c
TL;DR: This chapter examines the components of the environment and relationships between organisms and their surroundings. Students learn about ecosystems, f…
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This chapter examines the components of the environment and relationships between organisms and their surroundings. Students learn about ecosystems, food c
Ecosystem
- Ecosystem is community of organisms and their physical environment
- Biotic components: plants, animals, microorganisms
- Abiotic components: soil, water, air, light, temperature
- Biosphere is all ecosystems combined on Earth
Food Chains and Food Webs
- Food chain: linear sequence of organisms transferring energy (producer -> consumer -> decomposer)
- Producers are plants synthesizing food from sunlight
- Consumers: herbivores (primary), carnivores (secondary), omnivores
- Food web: interconnected food chains in an ecosystem
Energy Flow
- Only 10% of energy transferred from one level to next (90% lost as heat)
- Pyramids of energy show decreasing energy at higher trophic levels
- Biomagnification: toxic substances concentrated in higher trophic levels
- Waste products accumulate in organisms and bioaccumulate in food chain
Biodiversity and Conservation
- Biodiversity: variety of species in ecosystem
- Threats: habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, invasive species
- Conservation strategies: protected areas, breeding programs, legal protection
- Sustainable development: meeting present needs without harming future generations
Key Terms
- Ecosystem: Community of organisms and their physical environment functioning as a unit
- Biodiversity: Variety of different species, genes, and ecosystems in a region
- Decomposer: Organism that breaks down dead matter returning nutrients to soil
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there loss of energy in food chain?
Only 10% of energy is used for growth and body functions, rest 90% is lost as heat during metabolic processes. This is why food chains have limited length.
How do humans impact the environment?
Through pollution, deforestation, habitat destruction, overexploitation of resources, and introduction of invasive species causing biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.
More Class 10 Science Revision Notes
- Chemical Reactions and Equations
- Acids Bases and Salts
- Metals and Non-metals
- Carbon and its Compounds
- Life Processes
- Control and Coordination
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