Basic Components of an Ecosystem
Biotic Components
The biotic components of an ecosystem include the producers, consumers, and decomposers.
Producers
Producers are organisms capable of making their own food. Thus, they are also called autotrophs or “self-feeders”. They only require inorganic nutrients and the energy from the sun to synthesize sugar and other organic compounds in their bodies. Green plants and some bacteria are the dominant producers in ecosystems.
Consumers
Consumers are organisms that cannot make their own food. Thus, they are also called heterotrophs or “other feeders.” They depend on the food made by other organisms for their survival.
