Introduction to Ecosystems
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment, interacting as a system. Ecosystems can be vast, like a rainforest or ocean, or small, like a pond or a backyard garden.
Major Ecosystem Types
- Forest Ecosystems: Home to diverse flora and fauna, offering shelter and resources for a wide range of species.
- Grassland Ecosystems: Dominated by grasses, these land areas support herbivores and predators.
- Aquatic Ecosystems: Encompasses both freshwater and marine environments with unique life forms.
The Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, has an important role to play. A larger number of plant species means a greater variety of crops. Greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms.