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Discussing the Elements of an Ecosystem

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Please discuss the following. Provide at least 400 words in your solution.

Describe the basic components of an ecosystem.

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Solution Summary

In about 430 words, this solution discusses the ecosystem concept by detailing the basic elements which include: what it is, how an ecosystem is designed and why understanding the functioning of an ecosystem is important.

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Problem: Describe the basic components of an ecosystem.

Solution:
An ecosystem is a collection of organisms living in a particular area, together with the physical environment that they interact with. Therefore, an ecosystem contains plants, animals, soil, air, water, rocks, etc.

At the "bottom" of an ecosystem are the producers. These are the plants that convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. These form the primary or first trophic level.

Animals that eat plants are called herbivores. This collection of animals make up the second trophic level. They are also called the primary consumers. They consume the primary ...

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