Odum ecosystem model

The Odum ecosystem model describes how ecosystems function as integrated systems where energy and materials flow through different components. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of producers (like plants), consumers (animals), decomposers (fungi, bacteria), and their environment. Energy enters the system mainly through sunlight, driving processes like photosynthesis. These processes support food webs, nutrient cycling, and the overall health of the ecosystem. The model highlights concepts such as energy efficiency, system stability, and the importance of balance among components to sustain ecosystem productivity. It provides a framework for understanding how ecosystems develop, change, and respond to environmental influences.