Living and non-living things work together in ecosystems in many ways that help support a variety of life.

What Are the Parts?

1. Living Things (Biotic)

   • These include plants, animals, fungi, and tiny organisms you can’t see without a microscope.
   • For example, one oak tree can provide a home for more than 500 types of insects!

2. Non-Living Things (Abiotic)

   • These include water, soil, air, sunlight, and temperature.
   • Did you know that only about 2.5% of all the water on Earth is fresh water? This fresh water is really important for all living things.

How They Work Together:

• Plants, which are called producers, use sunlight to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis.
• This food is then eaten by herbivores, also known as primary consumers.
• Herbivores are hunted by carnivores, also known as secondary consumers. This helps keep the number of animals in balance.

Fun Facts:

• Ecosystems with many different kinds of plants and animals can be up to 20 times more productive than those with fewer kinds.
• Healthy ecosystems provide services worth more than $140 trillion each year. That’s a lot of value!