How Nature Works in Harmony Class 8 Notes

How Nature Works in Harmony Class 8 Notes

How Nature Works in Harmony Class 8 Notes

1. Decomposition: The process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler organic or inorganic matter.
2. Decomposers: Organisms that break down dead or decaying organic material.
3. Habitat: The natural environment in which an organism lives.
4. Population: A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area at the same time.
5. Herbivores: Organisms that eat only plants.
6. Carnivores: Organisms that eat only animals.
7. Omnivores: Organisms that eat both plants and animals.
8. Thrive: To flourish or grow or develop well.
9. Ecologist: A scientist who specialises in ecology.
10. Food chain: A simple sequence showing 'who eats whom' in an ecosystem.
11. Food web: A network of the food chains interlinked with each other.
12. Trophic level: Specific position of each organism in a food chain.
13. Heterotrophs: Organisms that depend on other organisms for their food.
14. Community: Different populations sharing the same habitat.
15. Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with one another and their physical environment.
16. Biotic components: The living parts of an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
17. Abiotic components: The non-living physical and chemical elements in an ecosystem, such as air, water, soil, sunlight, and temperature.
18. Interactions: The relationships and effects that organisms have on one another and on their environment.
19. Mutualism: The interaction/relationship in which both organisms benefit.
20. Commensalism: The interaction/relationship in which one organism benefits while the other is not affected.
21. Parasitism: The interaction/relationship in which one organism benefits while the other is harmed.
22. Endangered: Threatened, vulnerable, at risk of extinction
23. Monoculture: Growing the same crop repeatedly.
24. Migratory birds: Birds that travel long distances between breeding and wintering grounds, often in search of food and suitable habitats.
25. Human-made ecosystems: Ecosystems that are created and maintained by humans, such as farms, parks, and fish ponds.
26. Sustainable farming: Agricultural practices that maintain soil health, reduce pollution, and support biodiversity, ensuring that farming can continue without degrading the environment.

Ecosystems:

1. Definition: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (biotic components) interacting with their physical environment (abiotic components).
2. Importance: Ecosystems provide essential services, such as clean air, water, food, and recreational spaces.

Food Chains and Trophic Levels:

1. Food Chain: A linear sequence showing 'who eats whom' in an ecosystem, illustrating the flow of energy.
2. Trophic Levels: Organisms are categorised based on their role in the food chain:
3. Producers (e.g., grass, plants) at the first trophic level.
4. Primary consumers (e.g., herbivores like hares and grasshoppers).
5. Secondary consumers (e.g., carnivores like foxes and snakes).
6. Tertiary consumers (e.g., apex predators like eagles).

Types of Interactions:

1. Mutualism: Both organisms benefit (e.g., honeybees and flowers).
2. Commensalism: One organism benefits while the other is unaffected (e.g., orchids on trees).
3. Parasitism: One organism benefits at the expense of another (e.g., ticks on dogs).

Human Impact on Ecosystems:

1. Human-made Ecosystems: Examples include farms, parks, and fish ponds, which require management.
2. Sustainable Practices: Importance of adopting environmentally friendly farming practices to maintain ecosystem health.

Population Dynamics:

1. Definition: A population consists of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
2. Importance: Understanding populations helps in studying biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Biodiversity and Conservation:

1. Importance of Biodiversity: Biodiversity supports ecosystem resilience and provides resources for humans.
2. Conservation Efforts: Protecting ecosystems and species is crucial for maintaining balance in nature.