7 Ecology

• The Sun


  A source of energy that passes through ecosystems
• Materials recycling in the living world

  1. Carbon and water are continually recycled

  2. Released through respiration of animals, plants and decomposing microorganisms

  3. Taken up by plants in photosynthesis
• Ecosystems


  • Composed of complex communities of animals and plants dependent on each other
  • Adapted to particular conditions, both abiotic and biotic
• Ecosystems


  Provide essential services that support human life and continued development
• Humans engage with the environment

  In a sustainable way
• Humans are threatening biodiversity as well as the natural systems that support it
• Humans need to take actions to ensure our future health, prosperity and well-being