GEF

Unit 4   |  The Global Ecosystem 97 4.4  The Importance of Ecosystems An ecosystem is a biological community of plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and other organisms and their environment. Ecosystems are differ- ent from one another, depending on the organisms and flow of energy, nutrients, and minerals through the system. The type of organisms living in an ecosystems are determined by many factors, including climate, soil type, and amount of precipitation. Some examples of ecosystems are tropical forests, deserts, and coral reefs. Some ecosystems are defined by a specific location, such as the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem in the western United States. Humans are also a part of most ecosystems and impact how ecosystems work. “Thinking like an ecosystem” is a vital component of practicing sustainability. An ecosystem approach encourages us to think about the links between natural systems. When we think like an ecosystem, we better understand the results of human activities and find solutions aligned with Earth’s ecological balance. For example, for several centuries, sea otters were heavily hunted. Their soft thick fur was valued for expensive coats and warm clothing. Killing thousands of sea otters had other unin- tended results. When otters were removed from the ecosystem, ECOSYSTEM Biological communities of plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and other organisms in combination with their environment. EROSION The process in which soil or rock is removed by water or wind. SUSTAINABILITY CONCEPTS Sustainability is not intended to be taught as a separate subject, but rather as a framework to apply to all core curriculum subjects. Addressing any of the main challenges of sustainability, from climate change to the food crisis, requires knowledge of multiple studies, such as science, technology, engineering, math, social studies, and economics. Sustainability offers a real-world framework to use to understand important concepts from many different subject areas.