Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Interdependence and Competition

The term ‘ecosystem’ refers to the interaction of all the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components in a specific area. Biotic components include animals, plants, microorganisms, etc. while abiotic components involve soil, water, air, temperature etc.
Biodiversity measures the variety of life within an ecosystem. It accounts for the total number of different species, as well as the differences within and between populations and the interactions and processes taking place at genetic, species and ecosystem levels.
Interdependence is a fundamental concept in ecosystems. No species lives in isolation; each relies on relationships with others for survival – for its food, pollination, seed dispersal, etc.
The concept of a food web portrays the interdependence of organisms within an ecosystem. It illustrates the flow of nutrients and energy from one organism (prey) to another (predator).
The predator-prey relationship is a key example of interdependence. Prey population size often affects predator population size and vice versa.
Any change in an ecosystem, like the removal or introduction of a species, can cause a ripple effect through the interconnected relationships, disrupting the balance and leading to potential loss of biodiversity.
Competition within an ecosystem arises when resources such as food, habitat or light are limited. Organisms must compete with others, both within and between species, for these resources.
The competition might either be interspecific (between different species) or intraspecific (within the same species).
An organism’s ‘niche’ encompasses its role in the ecosystem, including its relationships with other organisms and the way it uses and interacts with resources.
Fundamental to the principle of ‘survival of the fittest’, the ability to outcompete others can determine which species survive, reproduce and maintain their presence in the ecosystem.
Both successful interspecific competition and low intraspecific competition can lead to lower biodiversity within an ecosystem.
Understanding these concepts helps to elucidate the cause and impact of changes in ecosystems, from minor fluctuations in population dynamics to widespread loss of biodiversity due to environmental changes or human activities.