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Abiotic Components
Abiotic parts of an ecosystem include sunlight, temperature, precipitation, water and soils. Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycle through the ecosystem. Plants and animals obtain these elements directly from their physical environment and are involved in the cycles. Materials undergo biochemical transformation within the bodies of organisms and eventually return to a nonliving, inorganic state.
Biotic Components
Living components of ecosystems are divided into trophic levels. Energy from the sun allows photosynthesis by plants; plants are considered the primary producers of the ecosystem. Herbivores (plant eaters) are considered the primary consumers. Carnivores eat herbivores and are the secondary consumers. Waste is cycled by decomposers, the bacteria and fungi.
Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem services can be defined as the benefits ecosystems provide to humans. According to the U.S. Forest Service, there are four categories of ecosystem services. Provisioning services include the provision of fiber, fuel, food and fresh water. Regulating services are regulation of climate, pollination, water and disease. Supporting services are soil formation and nutrient cycling. Finally, ecosystems provide cultural services such as recreation, tourism, educational, aesthetic and cultural heritage.