Ecosystem ecology

Definition

Ecosystem ecology is the study of interactions among organisms and their physical environment as an integrated system. It examines how energy flows and nutrients cycle through ecosystems, influencing their structure and function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ecosystem ecology focuses on both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.
2. Energy flow in ecosystems typically follows a unidirectional path from primary producers to various consumers.
3. Nutrient cycling involves the continual exchange of elements like carbon and nitrogen between organisms and their environment.
4. Ecologists often use models to understand complex ecosystem dynamics.
5. Human activities such as deforestation and pollution can significantly alter ecosystem processes.

Review Questions

• What are the main components studied in ecosystem ecology?
• How do energy flow and nutrient cycling differ in an ecosystem?
• What impact do human activities have on ecosystem processes?

Related terms

Biotic Factors: Factors in an ecosystem that involve living organisms, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms

Abiotic Factors: Non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms, such as sunlight, temperature, and soil composition

Trophic Levels: The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, comprising producers at the base followed by primary consumers, secondary consumers, and tertiary consumers