(par 1.4.2) The Ecosystem
The Ecosystem http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/152248/ Author: Erle Ellis Topic Editor: J. Emmett Duffy An ecosystem is a community of organisms interacting with each other and with their environment such that energy is exchanged and system-level processes, such as the cycling of elements, emerge. Levels of organization of Ecology, highlighting ecosystems. (Credit: Erle Ellis) The ecosystem is a core concept in Biology and Ecology, serving as […]
(par 1.4.2) Introduction to Basic Ecology (taken from Wikipedia)
Introduction to Basic Ecology http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Ecology/Introduction An earth star fungus, Geastrum aff. welwitschii. The strange structures shown are but a small part of the fungus, developed by that organism under genetic control to produce and disperse its spores. Much more of the biomass of this life form is found within the soil. The objective of this wikibook, A Study Guide […]
(par 1.4.2) Composition of Functioning Ecosystems
Ecosystems Ecosystems are the basic functional unit of the enviroment. It is difficult to define what an ecosystems precisely is, but the following definition is acceptable: An ecosystem is a more-or-less self contained ecological entity, consisting of both organisms and their complete biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) environment found in a particular place at a […]