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All over the world, living things
exist in distinct kinds of places
called ecosystems. Each has its own
climate, soil, and complex community
of plants and animals. Oceans and
deserts have their own ecosystems.
Ecosystems
Forests
Wherever there is enough rain,
forests grow, and they provide
homes for a huge range of plants
and animals.
Natural variety
There are different ecosystems all over the
world, and the animals and plants in each
one are adapted to its conditions.
Are there any types of forest ecosystems other than tropical rainforests?
Ecosystems and habitats
Homes sweet homes
One ecosystem contains a
number of habitats. A habitat is
the natural home of a particular
plant or animal. A tree, or even
a leaf, can be
a habitat.
Oceans
More than 70 per cent of the
Earth’s surface is covered by
ocean, which contains many
different habitats.
Rivers and lakes
Freshwater ecosystems exist in
pools, lakes, rivers, and streams.
They are found over most of the
world’s land surface.
Polar and tundra
The freezing polar lands are at the
far north and south of Earth, in the
Arctic and Antarctic. At the edges
farthest away from the poles, they
merge into warmer tundra areas.
Trees offer shelter for
animals, and food in
the form of leaves
and berries.
