Forests are important ecosystems that provide environmental and economic benefits.
Forest ecosystems are unique environments and are categorized based on the types and ages of trees, climate and soil. They impact the environment at scales ranging from local to regional, by influencing climate, nutrient dynamics and water movement. Forests are found all over the world, and they provide valuable economic and environmental services.
Information About a Forest Ecosystem A forest ecosystem is the community formed by plants and animals of that particular area that interact with the chemical and physical features of the environment in which they live. The Amazon rain forest ecosystem is an example of a forest ecosystem. This ecosystem is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, which include producers, consumers and decomposers. These organisms are interdependent on each other for survival.
Interdependence and Symbiosis
The organisms of this ecosystem are interdependent on each other for survival. An example in this regard is the relationship between Azteca ants and cecropia trees. The ants, which thrive in the hollow stems of the trees, depend on the special juice produced by the trees for food. In exchange, the ants chase away the insects that may harm the ceropias and kill the climbing vines that might choke these trees.
An example of a symbiotic relationship is the one between ants and caterpillars. The ants feed on sweet juices produced by spots on the caterpillars’ back. In return, they protect the caterpillars from attack.
Producers
Green plants are the producers of this ecosystem. There are four layers of plants in this ecosystem. The emergent layer includes huge trees towering 165 feet or more that are spaced far apart. Canopy trees are closely spaced and are about 65 to 165 feet high. They provide fruits, nectar and seeds to many creatures. The understory has very few plants as it receives very little sunlight. Almost