Ecosystem ecology

Ecosystem ecology is the integrated study of the living and non-living components of ecosystems and how they interact within the ecosystem as a whole, connecting chemicals, bedrock, soil, plants, and animals into a single functional picture. Researchers in the field examine processes at large scales, including primary productivity, the production of biomass, decomposition, and the trophic interactions that link organisms through feeding relationships, aiming to connect biological diversity to the sustainability and function of the ecosystem overall. A recurring practical goal is maintaining water quality alongside economically viable production of resources such as forage, fiber, and fuel, and these functional processes are shaped by regional and local climate, disturbance, and management. Because of this, ecosystem ecology provides a framework used to understand mechanisms behind large environmental problems, including global warming and the degradation of surface water. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/