The interaction between abiotic and biotic components and maintaining the balance in nature is defined as an ecosystem. It is a self-sustaining and functional unit of the biosphere. The term ecosystem was coined by Sir Arthur Tansley. There are two types of the ecosystem-  A natural ecosystem and an artificial ecosystem. We will also learn about how the food chain is interdependent. Additionally, we will understand how the ozone layer is formed and how it protects human beings, and how human beings deplete this layer.

The Food Chain is defined as a series of organisms in which each organism depends on the next for food. The green plants are the producers who make their own food. The consumers who eat plants or producers are called primary consumers. The primary consumers are used as food by secondary consumers. They are further eaten by tertiary consumers. 

The Interconnection of the food chain is known as the Food Web. It shows how the food chain is interdependent. Food webs are never straight as they are formed by the interlinking of food chains. The food web provides alternative pathways of food availability. If a particular species is destroyed, the predator can feed on an alternative species. Food webs increase ecosystem stability.

Three molecules of oxygen combine to form ozone. The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere. Components like Chloro-fluorocarbons, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide are causing ozone depletion. This depletion of the ozone layer thickness is called an ozone hole. It increases the amount of ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface and causes multiple diseases.