Interactions Within Ecosystems

The interactions within an ecosystem shape how life evolves. Interactions between biotic and abitotic factors in ecosystems affect how organisms can survive and thrive in a particular area. As an example, plants and trees within a rainforest have adapted to each other. Trees in rainforests must grow tall in order to compete for sunlight. Their leaves are also adapted to gather as much sunlight as possible. Plants and shrubs at the floor of the rainforest must survive on very little water.

Soil type and pH can affect which types of plants can grow in a particular environment. Human alterations to ecosystems can also impact the water, soil, air, animals, and plants. Predator and prey relationships also affect the organisms in an ecosystem.

These kinds of interactions are only one of millions. What is important for you to understand is that these relationships force animals to adapt or die out.