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An ecosystem is a community (the living organisms) and the environment (all of the non-living elements) in which the community evolves and with which it interacts.
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Ecosystem dynamics studies the exchange of matter and energy between a community and its environment.
Ecosystems vary in size. They can be either an aquatic or terrestrial biome, because a simple puddle can be considered a small ecosystem. Regardless of its size, an ecosystem is a place where matter and energy are transformed. Some living organisms in an ecosystem feed on other living organisms. They form trophic relationships.
The transformation of energy and matter can be studied by focusing on the matter and energy flow, circulating from one organism to another. Matter is always recycled in an ecosystem through chemical recycling by decomposers.
Lastly, primary productivity is the release of new biomass provided by the producers in the ecosystem.