NCERT Class 10 Science Science: Chapter 13 — === page_9 (layout_surya) ===
This chapter introduces the concept of 'environment' and its significance. It explains that an ecosystem comprises all interacting organisms (biotic components) and their physical surroundings (abiotic components like temperature, rainfall, wind, soil, and minerals). Examples of natural ecosystems (forests, ponds) and human-made ecosystems (gardens, aquariums) are provided. Organisms are classified as producers (plants, certain bacteria that photosynthesize), consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, parasites that depend on producers), and decomposers (microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that break down dead organic matter). The chapter highlights the interdependence of these components and the role of decomposers in nutrient cycling, emphasizing the balance in nature. It also touches upon the impact of human activities on the environment.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Science |
| Book | Science |
| Chapter | Chapter 13 — === page_9 (layout_surya) === |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 461 |
Learning outcomes
- Define environment and ecosystem.
- Identify biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem.
- Differentiate between natural and human-made ecosystems.
- Classify organisms as producers, consumers, and decomposers.
- Explain the interdependence of organisms within an ecosystem.
- Understand the role of decomposers in nutrient cycling.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Environment | The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. |
| Ecosystem | A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. |
| Biotic components | Living organisms in an ecosystem (plants, animals, microorganisms). |
| Abiotic components | Non-living physical factors in an ecosystem (temperature, rainfall, wind, soil). |
| Producers | Organisms that produce their own food, usually through photosynthesis (e.g., green plants). |
| Consumers | Organisms that obtain energy by feeding on other organisms. |
| Decomposers | Organisms (like bacteria and fungi) that break down dead organic matter. |
| Herbivores | Consumers that feed only on plants. |
| Carnivores | Consumers that feed on other animals. |
| Omnivores | Consumers that feed on both plants and animals. |
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Practice questions
- What are the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem? Answer: Biotic components are living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms), while abiotic components are non-living physical factors (temperature, rainfall, wind, soil, minerals).
- Give examples of a natural ecosystem and a human-made ecosystem. Answer: A forest is a natural ecosystem; a garden or an aquarium is a human-made ecosystem.
- What is the role of producers in an ecosystem? Answer: Producers, like green plants, create their own food using sunlight through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.
- Who are the consumers, and what are their types? Answer: Consumers obtain energy by feeding on other organisms. They can be herbivores (plant-eaters), carnivores (meat-eaters), or omnivores (eating both).
- Explain the function of decomposers. Answer: Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead organisms and waste products into simple inorganic substances, which are then used by plants.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem consists of all the interacting organisms (biotic components) in an area along with their non-living physical surroundings (abiotic components).
What are the main components of an ecosystem?
The main components are biotic (living organisms like plants, animals, microbes) and abiotic (non-living factors like temperature, water, soil, air).
What is the difference between a natural and a human-made ecosystem?
Natural ecosystems like forests and ponds are formed by nature, while human-made ecosystems like gardens and aquariums are created and managed by humans.
Who are producers in an ecosystem?
Producers are organisms, primarily green plants and some bacteria, that produce their own food using sunlight through photosynthesis.
What do consumers do in an ecosystem?
Consumers obtain energy by eating producers or other consumers. Examples include herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.
What is the role of decomposers?
Decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, break down dead organic matter and waste products, returning essential nutrients to the soil for plants.
Why is it important to study our environment?
Understanding our environment helps us recognize the interactions between living and non-living components, human impact, and the need for conservation.
Related resources
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 10 Science — Science — Chapter 13 — === page_9 (layout_surya) ===. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.