What Is an Ecosystem?

An ecosystem is simply an easy way to refer to all the life forms (plant and animal) in a cohesive, relatively independent area, and their relationship to one another. In a perfect world, an ecosystem is in balance. That is, the predator species keep the prey species' population in check without completely destroying them, and plant life remains varied without one type predominating and crowding out the rest.

If we protect existing natural habitats, we will help to maintain biodiversity (biodiversity is the variety of life in all its forms, levels and combinations). Unfortunately, natural habitats and their ecosystems are more and more endangered because of the damaging environmental effects of growing human populations everywhere.