ekojärjestelmä

An ecosystem, or ekosysteemi in Finnish, is a dynamic complex of plant, animal, and microorganism communities and their physical environment interacting as a functional unit. These interactions involve the flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients. Every ecosystem is characterized by its biotic components, which include all living organisms, and its abiotic components, which are the non-living physical and chemical factors such as sunlight, temperature, water, and soil.

Ecosystems vary greatly in size and complexity. A small pond can be an ecosystem, as can a vast forest or an entire ocean. Each organism within an ecosystem plays a specific role, contributing to the overall balance. For example, producers like plants convert light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food web. Consumers, such as animals, obtain energy by eating other organisms. Decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, break down dead organic matter, returning essential nutrients to the soil, which are then used by producers.

The interconnectedness of elements within an ecosystem means that changes in one part can have ripple effects throughout. For instance, a decline in a producer population due to disease could impact the populations of herbivores that rely on it for food, and subsequently, the carnivores that prey on those herbivores. Maintaining the health and stability of ecosystems is crucial for the survival of countless species, including humans, who depend on the services they provide, such as clean air and water, food, and climate regulation. Human activities, however, can significantly disrupt natural ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.