Bioökosüsteem

Bioökosüsteem is the Estonian term for ecosystem. An ecosystem is a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. It encompasses all living things (biotic factors) such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, as well as the non-living components (abiotic factors) of their surroundings, including air, water, soil, sunlight, and temperature. These biotic and abiotic components are interconnected and influence each other's survival and function.

Ecosystems can vary greatly in size, from a small pond to a vast forest or ocean. They are characterized by energy flow and nutrient cycling. Energy typically enters an ecosystem through producers, usually plants, which convert sunlight into organic matter through photosynthesis. This energy is then transferred to consumers when they eat other organisms, and eventually to decomposers, which break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil or water.

The balance within an ecosystem is crucial. Changes in either biotic or abiotic factors can disrupt this balance, leading to significant consequences for all inhabitants. Human activities, such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change, can have profound and often negative impacts on ecosystems worldwide. Understanding bioökosüsteemid is essential for conservation efforts and for maintaining the health of the planet.