Ecological Processes

Organisms interact with their physical environment and with other organisms to form a complex set of dependencies and interrelationships sometimes called the "web of life". This interconnectedness makes the study of impacts of changes in external factors on ecosystems very difficult. The combinations of all environmental factors and interactions with other organisms determine the preferred places for each organism to live, i.e., its "niche". Some niches are more vulnerable to climate change than others.

Interactions within ecosystems include competition, herbivory, and actions of parasites, disease, and mutualists (ecosystem components that provide mutual benefit such as pollinating bees and flowering plants).

PREVIOUS: Soil Processes and Properties

NEXT: Communities and Community Dynamics