ecosystems

An ecosystem is a group of living things that depend on each other and their surroundings. This can include animals, plants, water, soil, and even sunlight.

When we talk about ecosystems, we're usually thinking about big pictures, like forests, oceans, or deserts. We might discuss the balance between predators and prey in an ecosystem, how different species interact with each other, and how humans affect their surroundings through pollution, deforestation, or overfishing. For example, if you visit a national park, you're experiencing one type of ecosystem. Even in cities, there are ecosystems – like parks or gardens – that provide a home for local wildlife and help keep the air clean.