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Ecosystems

An ecosystem is a community of living things and their environment, all depending on each other. If one part changes, others are affected.

๐Ÿ’ก Fun fact

A pond, a forest and a coral reef are all ecosystems.

All about Ecosystems

An ecosystem is a community of living things and the non-living parts of their environment, such as water, air, soil and sunlight. All these parts interact, so a change in one can affect many others. A pond, a forest and a coral reef are all ecosystems.

Ecosystems depend on energy flowing from the Sun, nutrients cycling through soil and water, and relationships like predation and pollination. Scientists study ecosystems to understand how to keep them healthy.

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Real-life uses of Ecosystems

  • Managing forests and fisheries sustainably
  • Restoring damaged rivers and wetlands
  • Predicting how climate change may affect wildlife

Frequently asked questions about Ecosystems

What is the difference between a habitat and an ecosystem?

A habitat is the home of one organism or group. An ecosystem includes all the living and non-living things in an area and how they interact.

What is a biome?

A large region with similar climate and typical plants and animals, such as a desert, a tundra or a rainforest.

What happens if an ecosystem loses a species?

Other species may increase or decline, which can upset the balance and sometimes cause serious damage.