The Web of Life

Ecosystems are communities of living things interacting with each other and their environment. These interactions shape the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients.

Types of Interactions

• Predation: One organism eats another.
• Symbiosis: Close relationships, like mutualism (both benefit), commensalism, and parasitism.
• Competition: Organisms vie for the same resources.

Ecosystem Dynamics

Energy flows from the sun to producers (plants) to consumers (animals) and decomposers (fungi, bacteria). Disruptions to these interactions can impact biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Impact on Us

Ecology helps us understand environmental issues like climate change, habitat loss, and resource management.