Ecosystems
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem can be described as a system, which is created by a bunch of living things who communicate with one another, and their non-living surroundings.
In any ecosystem, there are always three main parts that are essential.
1. Physical surroundings- examples include rocks, soil and water
2. Living organisms
3. Living and non-living factors- these make up the environment
An ecosystem can be described as a system, which is created by a bunch of living things who communicate with one another, and their non-living surroundings.
In any ecosystem, there are always three main parts that are essential.
1. Physical surroundings- examples include rocks, soil and water
2. Living organisms
3. Living and non-living factors- these make up the environment
InterdependenceIn an ecosystem, there are organisms who have to compete with other animals, and organisms who harm each other. However, there are also organisms who rely on one another for survival.
An example is termites and microscopic organisms called flagellates. Termites, as you would know, feed on wood and other tough materials. However, to fully digest this, you would need enzymes. Termites do not have this, and rely on flagellates, who live in their stomach. The Flagellates live inside the gut of a Termite, and digest the wood. Termites are then able to absorb this. From this, you can see that they both affectt one anothers survival. As the Termite has food, and the Flagellates have a moist and stable home. |
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