In the study of ecosystems, the term refers to the variety of life found in a particular habitat or on Earth as a whole. High levels of are often seen in tropical regions, where many species of plants and animals coexist. This diversity is essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems, as it contributes to their overall and resilience.
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the main ingredient being . During this process, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, which are vital for life on Earth. The overall chemical reaction can be summarized by the equation: .
Another important concept in ecosystems is the , which explains how energy and nutrients move through different organisms. At the base of the food chain are the producers, such as plants, which convert solar energy into food. Herbivores then feed on these producers, while eat the herbivores, forming a chain of energy transfer that supports the entire ecosystem. Disruptions to any part of this food chain can have significant on the ecosystem as a whole.
