In any biocenosis there is a circulation of substances. This means that they are constantly moving, as well as moving from inanimate to living nature and vice versa. The source of energy for this process is the sun. Its energy during the cycle is first converted into the energy of chemical bonds, then into mechanical and then into heat due to the nutritional relations of organisms within the biocenosis.
These relationships are also called food chains.
General concept
For a complete study of the biocenotic relationships of different organisms in science, the concept of a food chain is used. Biology gives it the following definition: these are a series of species or groups of organisms between which food relations are ordered, and each previous link in the chain is food for the next one.
Links of food chains
There are several links in any food chain.
The first link is the producers, or producers. Their role is played by autotrophic plants, which in the process of photosynthesis convert solar energy into the energy of chemical bonds.
The second link representsconsumers. These include herbivores (primary consumers) and carnivores (secondary and tertiary consumers).
The third link is the decomposers. They are represented by microorganisms that decompose organic residues into inorganic substances.
Ecological pyramid
When moving from one trophic (nutritional) link to another, there is always a tenfold loss of substances and energy. This is considered a pattern and in ecology is called the rule of the ecological pyramid.
Producers are located at the base of the pyramid. Above them are the primary consumers. The next step is secondary and tertiary consumers. At the top are predators. The height of the pyramid can vary depending on the length of the food chain. Usually it does not exceed 4-5 links due to the rapid decrease in energy.
It is important that each link may include several species that feed on monotonous food. And animals that eat different foods may occupy different positions in the chain or even enter different chains.
Types of food chains
In all biocenoses, certain types of food chains are represented. They have the following names: dendritic, pasture. Each species has its own characteristics and begins with certain organisms. Thus, the pasture food chain is an example of a food relationship that begins with green plants capable of photosynthesis. Such a chain usually underlies the biocenosis. The dendritic species begins with organisms that usereleased energy when they process waste organic substances.
Examples of food chains
Trophic interactions of organisms in biocenoses are quite complex. Often there are parallel power circuits. Examples: herbaceous vegetation - small rodents - predatory animals; herbaceous vegetation - herbivorous (ungulate) animals - large predatory animals. Such chains unite representatives of different tiers of biocenoses and establish stable links between them. These interactions are a pasture food chain. The example above shows the sequence of building links in it.
The complex system of trophic relationships within the biocenosis ensures its stability, dynamism and integrity. If the balance is disturbed within the species (reduction of its numbers as a result of an epidemic, human activity), which is a link in the chain, the entire biocenosis is completely or partially destroyed.
What is the pasture food chain? An example is the following: a man exterminated small rodents to preserve his grain lands. As a result, many predators for whom they served as food died from lack of food. Further, the decomposers began to process little organic (dead) residues and produce an insufficient amount of minerals. The consequence of this eventually became sparse vegetation due to the lack of inorganic substances. As a result, the entire biocenosis may become impoverished and turn into a different type.
Alsothe reservoir is an interesting and visual relationship of organisms. This is also an intrapasture food chain. Example: a pond was cleaned, as a result of which algae and zooplankton disappeared. The consequence of this was the extinction of small fish that feed on them. Then there is the disappearance of predatory fish. As a result, the number of all microorganisms, the species diversity of plants and animals decrease, and the entire system is disrupted. Restoring it will require considerable time and certain conditions.
Thus, food connections within the biocenosis are the main factors in its stability and development.
