Living things in ecosystems

Ecosystems contain living things or organisms. Different types of ecosystems have different types of organisms. The organisms that can be found in ecosystems include plants, animals and fungi.

Plants

Plants are very important in ecosystems as they can make their own food. Because of this, they are called producers. There are many different types of plants including grasses, vines and trees. Most plants have green leaves. Some plants are very small while others are very large. 

^{Duckweed is a tiny floating plant. Each plant is only a few millimeters across.}

^{Giant redwwods are very large trees which can grow to over a hundred meters tall.}

^Animals

Animals can be found in ecosystems all around the world. Animals cannot make their own food. They must eat in order to live. Because of this, they are called consumers. There are many different types of animals including insects, birds, fish, mammals, worms, amphibians, reptiles and many more.

^{Ants are tiny animals that live in large groups called colonies.}

^{Whales are very large animals that live in the sea.} 

^Fungi

Fungi are living things that neither plants nor animals. They live by breaking down and absorbing organic matter. Because of this, they are called decomposers. There are many different types of fungi including mushrooms, yeast and mould.

^{Mushrooms like this one help to break down organic matter such as dead trees.}

^{The mould growing on this orange is a fungus.}

Note: The living things in an ecosystem are also called the biotic components of an ecosystem.