Ecosystems: What are they and how do they work?

What is an Ecosystem?

There are several ecosystems that make up one biome (region characterized by distinct climate/specific life forms). An ecosystem is a community where populations of different species interact with one another and with their nonliving environment of matter and energy. Ecosystems can range in size from a puddle of water to a stream, or from a patch of woods to an entire forest, the can be natural or artificial as well: human created (Miller, 53).  

All of the earth's ecosystems come together to make up the biosphere, which is the global ecosystem where all life is intertwined and connected. I think it is simply amazing how God could come up with such a complex living system, that would require such balance, but yet supports everything that we live in and what lives around us.

I also learned that Ecotone is basically a transitional zone, where one ecosystem merges to meet another, and this process can involve 2 or more ecosystems. 

Within an ecosystem there are several different types of plant and animal species. Each animal species has a specific niche (their role in the environment) and are part of the flow of energy within an ecosystem.  Each animal and plant are so vital to an ecosystem, because even just missing one species may result in a collapse of other species in the ecosystem.  Our environment is so interconnected, which is why we must be sure to take great care of it.