All organisms, such as plants, animals and micro-organisms, taken as a whole within the physical area where they live make up an ecosystem. It is a dynamic system in which the organisms and their living environment interact with one another.
All organisms, such as plants, animals and micro-organisms, taken as a whole within the physical area where they live make up an ecosystem. It is a dynamic system in which the organisms and their living environment interact with one another.
From a flower box to the Amazon
Your back garden, the tropical rainforest or the whole world can all be considered ecosystems. Even a plant in its pot could be considered an ecosystem. This means each ecosystem is different and has its own degree of biodiversity. When considering ecosystems, you may see that a tropical rainforest is home to many different life forms but a polar region supports fewer.
Ultimate recyclers
The different species living in an ecosystem need each other to survive. Humans also need other organisms. Micro-organisms are the basis of all ecosystems. They serve as food of other organisms but are also the ultimate recyclers. They clean up organic material from sources including dead animals and plants, making the raw materials of life available for other organisms in the ecosystem. This is why life on earth would not be possible without micro-organisms.