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| Biodiversity |
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The web of life
Plants and animals depend on each other. Without the many different species of plants that provide animals for habitat, shelter and food, there would not be so many species of animals. All green plants photosynthesise and make their own food in the presence of sunlight in the presence of chlorophyll. They are called the primary producers and provide food for animals either directly or indirectly.
Animals such as elephants and deer that feed on plants are herbivores and they are also known as primary consumers. Animals such as tigers and pythons that eat other animals are known as carnivores. Omnivores such as monkeys are animals that feed on both plants and animals.
Termites, earthworms, woodlice and millipedes help to break down dead plants and animals into smaller substances. Decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break down the dead matter into simple substances so that they can be returned to the soil in the ecosystem. |
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The animals help the large variety of plants to thrive through pollination, pest control and seed dispersal. Biodiversity is also very important as we depend on ecosystems to provide food, oxygen and natural resources, recycle wastes and fertilise soils.
The interrelationship among organisms in a rainforest ecosystem is always changing. Any imbalance between two organisms can affect the other organisms in the environment directly or indirectly. |
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Insects help to pollinate flowers
(Photograph taken by the Forest Buddies Team) |
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In an ecosystem, there is a food relationship among the organisms called a food chain. Every plant and animal in a food chain is called a link. Plants and animals are interrelated through complex food webs which are made up of two or more food chains that are interconnected. This balance will be tipped over when there is deforestation and biodiversity can be threatened. |
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| Sources: |
| Food chain. (2008, March 28). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 03:05, March 29, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Food_chain&oldid=201570947 |
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