ecosystem
(imagine a forest ecosystem)
- Consists of many species of plants and animals
- Genetic diversity is very high
- The sunlight is the energy source for autotrophs and this energy drives all biological cycles
- Food chains are long and complex
- Ecological succession takes place in a natural ecosystem over the period of time
- Natural nutrient cycling ensures maximum and efficient cycling of nutrients
- Productivity is extremely variable and depends on the environment. In tropical rainforest productivity is very high, but in deserts productivity is very low
