Ecosystem(s)

A dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit. A typology of ecosystems is provided by the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology 2.0.

An ecosystem represents a complex, dynamic interaction between various organisms and their abiotic environment. It consists of a biocoenosis, which includes all living organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, as well as a biotope, the physical environment characterized by factors such as climate, light, water, and soil. These components work together to form food webs, where producers generate energy through photosynthesis, consumers feed on producers or other consumers, and decomposers break down organic material to keep nutrients cycling.Ecosystems are not static; they are subject to natural and anthropogenic disturbances that can disrupt their ecological balance. After such disturbances, succession may occur, during which the species composition gradually changes, leading to a new equilibrium. Ecosystems can be categorized into terrestrial (e.g., forests, deserts) and aquatic (e.g., seas, lakes) categories, with each type occupying specific ecological niches that influence their survival strategies.

The diversity of ecosystems is crucial for biodiversity and the maintenance of vital functions on Earth. Understanding ecosystems is therefore significant not only for biology but also for economic systems and digital platforms, where the term is used in a metaphorical sense. The conservation and restoration of ecosystems are increasingly regarded as important to address global challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and population growth.