What is an ecosystem?

What is an Ecosystem?

All living things have one thing in common – they cannot survive alone. They need the support of an ecosystem.

Through the adventures of The Salty Sea Dogs, you have been able to explore the coastal ecosystem in False Bay. But, there are many different ecosystems that make up Planet Earth.

An ecosystem is what we call all the things that depend on each other in a certain area. These things are made up by both living and non-living things.

The non-living parts we find in False Bay are things like sunlight, salt water, currents, nutrients, water temperature and turbulence. These non-living parts determine what kind of plants and animals can survive in this area.

The living parts of the ecosystems are the plants and animals in it.

All the parts of the eco system are vitally important. No matter how big or small, each needs to be there, doing their job, to keep the system healthy!

Threats to an Ecosystem

Ecosystems can be disturbed by natural pressures, but also by human pressure. In the marine ecosystem, examples of these are over-fishing and polluting our oceans with things like plastics and chemicals.

Ecosystems can recover if the pressure stops, and if it is given enough time to recover.

Humans need healthy Ecosystems too

Like all other living beings, humans need healthy ecosystems. You need it to get the food you eat, the water you drink, purify your air and regulate the climate. So in order to keep your living conditions healthy, it is truly important that we all protect natural ecosystems like the ocean.

How can we help keep eco systems healthy?

Recycle and pick up rubbish
Be careful what we pour down the drain as it often ends up in the sea.
Conserve water and electricity
Carefully choose what we eat. Know how it is caught and where it comes from.
Plant trees and help to create a habitat around you.
Why not try a bird feeder in your garden and see who comes along to use it!
Respect all creatures on Planet Earth, because they all have a vital role to play

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