An ecosystem is a geographic area where plants, animals, and other organisms, as well as weather and landscape, work together to form a web of life.

Ecosystems contain both:

• Biotic or living parts, as well as
• Abiotic factors, or nonliving parts. Abiotic factors include things such as sunlight, water, soil, and air.

Ecosystems can be very large or very small. Examples of ecosystems include:

• A forest
• A pond
• A meadow

Ecosystems are essential for life on Earth. They provide us with clean air, clean water, food, and other resources. They also help to regulate the climate and prevent flooding.

For more information, see: National Geographic.org