Summary
A community of living organisms interacting with the non-living parts of their environment.
In depth
Ecosystems include producers, consumers, decomposers and the physical environment, linked by energy flow and nutrient cycling. Boundaries are arbitrary: a pond, forest or a rotting log may be treated as one. Energy flows one way (sun to heat) while matter cycles.
Ecosystems are open: they exchange energy, nutrients and organisms with surroundings.
Ecosystem processes include productivity, decomposition and nutrient cycling. Resilience is the ability to recover after disturbance; resistance is the ability to avoid change.
Key idea: ecosystems are defined by flows of energy and matter, not by boundaries on a map.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ecosystem?
A community of living organisms interacting with the non-living parts of their environment.
Which area of biology covers Ecosystem, and how advanced is it?
Ecosystem is one of the 54 topics in Ecology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Primary Productivity, Ecology, Decomposers.
Can you give an example of Ecosystem?
In a lake, algae capture light, zooplankton and fish feed on them, and bacteria recycle the nutrients.
What should I learn before Ecosystem?
Ecosystem is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Ecology that pair well with it include Ecology, Biotic and Abiotic Factors, Habitat and Niche.
What topics are related to Ecosystem?
The closest topics to Ecosystem are Primary Productivity, Ecology, Decomposers, Producers. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Ecosystem?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Ecosystem. To practise the whole of Ecology, use the Ecology quiz.
How is Ecosystem different from Primary Productivity?
Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with the non-living parts of their environment. Primary Productivity: The rate at which producers convert energy into organic matter, gross minus respiration equals net. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Ecosystem step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Primary Productivity and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Ecology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.