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š¬ Think about it
Imagine a class where everyone wants the same bench. There would be a fight. Animals also compete for food, water and space. This competition quietly keeps their numbers in check. Let us see how nature stays balanced.
How does competition keep an ecosystem balanced?
- Organisms compete for food, water, space or sunlight.
- This competition helps control population size.
- So no single species can multiply too much.
- That is why the ecosystem stays balanced.
Example:
If one type of plant grew without any check, it would crowd out all the others, just like one team taking every bench.
What is mutualism, commensalism and parasitism?
- Mutualism — both organisms benefit.
- Commensalism — one benefits, the other is unaffected.
- Parasitism — one benefits, the other is harmed.
| Relationship | Who benefits | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Mutualism | Both benefit | Honeybees and flowers |
| Commensalism | One benefits, other unaffected | Orchids on trees |
| Parasitism | One benefits, other is harmed | Ticks on a dog |
š¬ Be a scientist
- A.J.T. Johnsingh was a famous Indian wildlife biologist.
- He helped us understand forests through the eyes of animals.
- He was a pioneer in studying wildlife with modern tracking.
- He worked in Bandipur National Park, Karnataka.
- He showed predators like tigers and leopards rely on prey.
- He proved healthy prey is key to predator survival.
Important Points
- Balance in an ecosystem is dynamic, not fixed.
- It can be disrupted by natural or human-made changes.
- Relationships between organisms are part of the web of life.
ā Test Yourself
-
How does competition help an ecosystem?
View Answer
It controls population size so no species multiplies too much. -
What is mutualism?
View Answer
A relationship where both organisms benefit, like bees and flowers. -
Give an example of parasitism.
View Answer
Ticks on a dog — the tick benefits, the dog is harmed. -
In commensalism, who is affected?
View Answer
Only one organism benefits; the other is not affected, like orchids on trees. -
Is ecosystem balance fixed?
View Answer
No, it is dynamic and can be disturbed by natural or human-made changes.
Important Definitions
- Competition — the struggle between organisms for common resources.
- Mutualism — a relationship where both organisms benefit.
- Commensalism — one organism benefits while the other is not affected.
- Parasitism — one organism benefits while the other is harmed.
