What is the purpose of studying the ecosystem?

The purpose of studying the ecosystem is to understand the relationships within it, appreciate its input and output, and comprehend the energy flows.

We will first look at the structure of the ecosystem, in order to appreciate the input (productivity), transfer of energy (food chain/web, nutrient cycling) and the output (degradation and energy loss). We will also look at the relationships – cycles, chains, webs – that are created as a result of these energy flows within the system and their inter- relationship.