Organelle, any of the specialized structures within a 

cell that perform
a specific function (e.g., mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic
reticulum). Organelles in unicellular organisms are the equivalent of
organs in multicellular organisms. The contractile vacuole of
protozoans, for example, extracts fluid wastes from the cell and
eliminates them from the organism, as does the kidney in larger
organisms.
This article was most recently revised and updated by  Kara Rogers, Senior Editor.
Learn More in these related Britannica articles:


nervous system: Organelle systems

In more-complex protozoans, specialized cellular structures, or organelles, serve as

receptors of stimulus and as effectors of response. Receptors include stiff sensory
bristles in ciliates and the light-sensitive eyespots of flagellates. Effectors include…

nervous system: Organelles

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a widely spread membrane system within the
neuron that is continuous with the nuclear envelope. It consists of series of tubules,
 flattened sacs called cisternae, and membrane-bound spheres called vesicles. There
are two types of ER. The rough endoplasmic…

radiation: Lasers

…effect on cellular components, or organelles: those components that absorb light

of the wavelength of the beam are destroyed, whereas transparent parts of the cells
remain unaffected. Organelles such as mitochondria, which are responsible for cell
respiration, or chloroplasts, which are involved in plant-cell photosynthesis, can be
separately studied in…

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ECOSYSTEM
ARTICLE

 Introduction
 Energy flow
 Trophic levels
 Nutrient cycling

MEDIA
ADDITIONAL INFO
HomeScienceEnvironment

ecosystem
Print Cite Share More
BY The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 11, 2021 | View Edit History

Yamal Peninsula
See all media
Key People:
 
Charles Elton Pierre Dansereau
Related Topics:
 
Population ecological disturbance Ecological resilience Trophic cascade Biogeochemical
cycle
...(Show more)

FULL ARTICLE

ecosystem, the complex of living organisms, their

physical environment, and all their interrelationships in a particular
unit of space.

A brief treatment of ecosystems follows. For full

treatment, see biosphere.
 BRITANNICA QUIZ

Ecosystems

There are a lot of ecosystems in the world. How much do you know about the

different types of ecosystems?

An ecosystem can be categorized into its abiotic constituents,

including minerals, climate, soil, water, sunlight, and all other
nonliving elements, and its biotic constituents, consisting of all its
living members. Linking these constituents together are two major
forces: the flow of energy through the ecosystem and the cycling
of nutrients within the ecosystem. Ecosystems vary in size: some are
small enough to be contained within single water droplets while others
are large enough to encompass entire landscapes and regions
(see biome).
Energy flow

Examine the trophic levels of producers, herbivores, and carnivores in a given

ecosystem
Understanding energy flow in ecosystems.
Organelle, any of the specialized structures within a cell that perform
a specific function (e.g., mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic
reticulum). Organelles in unicellular organisms are the equivalent of
organs in multicellular organisms. The contractile vacuole of
protozoans, for example, extracts fluid wastes from the cell and
eliminates them from the organism, as does the kidney in larger
organisms.
This article was most recently revised and updated by  Kara Rogers, Senior Editor.
Learn More in these related Britannica articles:


nervous system: Organelle systems

In more-complex protozoans, specialized cellular structures, or organelles, serve as

receptors of stimulus and as effectors of response. Receptors include stiff sensory
bristles in ciliates and the light-sensitive eyespots of flagellates. Effectors include…

nervous system: Organelles

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a widely spread membrane system within the
neuron that is continuous with the nuclear envelope. It consists of series of tubules,
flattened sacs called cisternae, and membrane-bound spheres called vesicles. There
are two types of ER. The rough endoplasmic…


 radiation: Lasers

…effect on cellular components, or organelles: those components that absorb light

of the wavelength of the beam are destroyed, whereas transparent parts of the cells
remain unaffected. Organelles such as mitochondria, which are responsible for cell
respiration, or chloroplasts, which are involved in plant-cell photosynthesis, can be
separately studied in…

HISTORY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Sign up here to see what happened On This Day, every day in your inbox!
Email address
Sign Up

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice.

ECOSYSTEM
ARTICLE

 Introduction
 Energy flow
 Trophic levels
 Nutrient cycling

MEDIA
ADDITIONAL INFO
HomeScienceEnvironment

ecosystem
Print Cite Share More
BY The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 11, 2021 | View Edit History
Yamal Peninsula
See all media
Key People:
 
Charles Elton Pierre Dansereau
Related Topics:
 
Population ecological disturbance Ecological resilience Trophic cascade Biogeochemical
cycle
...(Show more)

FULL ARTICLE

ecosystem, the complex of living organisms, their

physical environment, and all their interrelationships in a particular
unit of space.

A brief treatment of ecosystems follows. For full

treatment, see biosphere.
 BRITANNICA QUIZ

Ecosystems

There are a lot of ecosystems in the world. How much do you know about the

different types of ecosystems?

An ecosystem can be categorized into its abiotic constituents,

including minerals, climate, soil, water, sunlight, and all other
nonliving elements, and its biotic constituents, consisting of all its
living members. Linking these constituents together are two major
forces: the flow of energy through the ecosystem and the cycling
of nutrients within the ecosystem. Ecosystems vary in size: some are
small enough to be contained within single water droplets while others
are large enough to encompass entire landscapes and regions
(see biome).
Energy flow

Examine the trophic levels of producers, herbivores, and carnivores in a given

ecosystem
Understanding energy flow in ecosystems.
Organelle, any of the specialized structures within a cell that perform
a specific function (e.g., mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic
reticulum). Organelles in unicellular organisms are the equivalent of
organs in multicellular organisms. The contractile vacuole of
protozoans, for example, extracts fluid wastes from the cell and
eliminates them from the organism, as does the kidney in larger
organisms.
This article was most recently revised and updated by  Kara Rogers, Senior Editor.
Learn More in these related Britannica articles:


nervous system: Organelle systems

In more-complex protozoans, specialized cellular structures, or organelles, serve as

receptors of stimulus and as effectors of response. Receptors include stiff sensory
bristles in ciliates and the light-sensitive eyespots of flagellates. Effectors include…

nervous system: Organelles

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a widely spread membrane system within the
neuron that is continuous with the nuclear envelope. It consists of series of tubules,
flattened sacs called cisternae, and membrane-bound spheres called vesicles. There
are two types of ER. The rough endoplasmic…


 radiation: Lasers

…effect on cellular components, or organelles: those components that absorb light

of the wavelength of the beam are destroyed, whereas transparent parts of the cells
remain unaffected. Organelles such as mitochondria, which are responsible for cell
respiration, or chloroplasts, which are involved in plant-cell photosynthesis, can be
separately studied in…

HISTORY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Sign up here to see what happened On This Day, every day in your inbox!
Email address
Sign Up

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice.

ECOSYSTEM
ARTICLE

 Introduction
 Energy flow
 Trophic levels
 Nutrient cycling

MEDIA
ADDITIONAL INFO
HomeScienceEnvironment

ecosystem
Print Cite Share More
BY The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 11, 2021 | View Edit History
Yamal Peninsula
See all media
Key People:
 
Charles Elton Pierre Dansereau
Related Topics:
 
Population ecological disturbance Ecological resilience Trophic cascade Biogeochemical
cycle
...(Show more)

FULL ARTICLE

ecosystem, the complex of living organisms, their

physical environment, and all their interrelationships in a particular
unit of space.

A brief treatment of ecosystems follows. For full

treatment, see biosphere.
 BRITANNICA QUIZ

Ecosystems

There are a lot of ecosystems in the world. How much do you know about the

different types of ecosystems?

An ecosystem can be categorized into its abiotic constituents,

including minerals, climate, soil, water, sunlight, and all other
nonliving elements, and its biotic constituents, consisting of all its
living members. Linking these constituents together are two major
forces: the flow of energy through the ecosystem and the cycling
of nutrients within the ecosystem. Ecosystems vary in size: some are
small enough to be contained within single water droplets while others
are large enough to encompass entire landscapes and regions
(see biome).
Energy flow

Examine the trophic levels of producers, herbivores, and carnivores in a given

ecosystem
Understanding energy flow in ecosystems.
Organelle, any of the specialized structures within a cell that perform
a specific function (e.g., mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic
reticulum). Organelles in unicellular organisms are the equivalent of
organs in multicellular organisms. The contractile vacuole of
protozoans, for example, extracts fluid wastes from the cell and
eliminates them from the organism, as does the kidney in larger
organisms.
This article was most recently revised and updated by  Kara Rogers, Senior Editor.
Learn More in these related Britannica articles:


nervous system: Organelle systems

In more-complex protozoans, specialized cellular structures, or organelles, serve as

receptors of stimulus and as effectors of response. Receptors include stiff sensory
bristles in ciliates and the light-sensitive eyespots of flagellates. Effectors include…

nervous system: Organelles

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a widely spread membrane system within the
neuron that is continuous with the nuclear envelope. It consists of series of tubules,
flattened sacs called cisternae, and membrane-bound spheres called vesicles. There
are two types of ER. The rough endoplasmic…


 radiation: Lasers

…effect on cellular components, or organelles: those components that absorb light

of the wavelength of the beam are destroyed, whereas transparent parts of the cells
remain unaffected. Organelles such as mitochondria, which are responsible for cell
respiration, or chloroplasts, which are involved in plant-cell photosynthesis, can be
separately studied in…

HISTORY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Sign up here to see what happened On This Day, every day in your inbox!
Email address
Sign Up

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice.

ECOSYSTEM
ARTICLE

 Introduction
 Energy flow
 Trophic levels
 Nutrient cycling

MEDIA
ADDITIONAL INFO
HomeScienceEnvironment

ecosystem
Print Cite Share More
BY The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 11, 2021 | View Edit History
Yamal Peninsula
See all media
Key People:
 
Charles Elton Pierre Dansereau
Related Topics:
 
Population ecological disturbance Ecological resilience Trophic cascade Biogeochemical
cycle
...(Show more)

FULL ARTICLE

ecosystem, the complex of living organisms, their

physical environment, and all their interrelationships in a particular
unit of space.

A brief treatment of ecosystems follows. For full

treatment, see biosphere.
 BRITANNICA QUIZ

Ecosystems

There are a lot of ecosystems in the world. How much do you know about the

different types of ecosystems?

An ecosystem can be categorized into its abiotic constituents,

including minerals, climate, soil, water, sunlight, and all other
nonliving elements, and its biotic constituents, consisting of all its
living members. Linking these constituents together are two major
forces: the flow of energy through the ecosystem and the cycling
of nutrients within the ecosystem. Ecosystems vary in size: some are
small enough to be contained within single water droplets while others
are large enough to encompass entire landscapes and regions
(see biome).
Energy flow

Examine the trophic levels of producers, herbivores, and carnivores in a given

ecosystem
Understanding energy flow in ecosystems.
Organelle, any of the specialized structures within a cell that perform
a specific function (e.g., mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic
reticulum). Organelles in unicellular organisms are the equivalent of
organs in multicellular organisms. The contractile vacuole of
protozoans, for example, extracts fluid wastes from the cell and
eliminates them from the organism, as does the kidney in larger
organisms.
This article was most recently revised and updated by  Kara Rogers, Senior Editor.
Learn More in these related Britannica articles:


nervous system: Organelle systems

In more-complex protozoans, specialized cellular structures, or organelles, serve as

receptors of stimulus and as effectors of response. Receptors include stiff sensory
bristles in ciliates and the light-sensitive eyespots of flagellates. Effectors include…

nervous system: Organelles

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a widely spread membrane system within the
neuron that is continuous with the nuclear envelope. It consists of series of tubules,
flattened sacs called cisternae, and membrane-bound spheres called vesicles. There
are two types of ER. The rough endoplasmic…


 radiation: Lasers

…effect on cellular components, or organelles: those components that absorb light

of the wavelength of the beam are destroyed, whereas transparent parts of the cells
remain unaffected. Organelles such as mitochondria, which are responsible for cell
respiration, or chloroplasts, which are involved in plant-cell photosynthesis, can be
separately studied in…

HISTORY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Sign up here to see what happened On This Day, every day in your inbox!
Email address
Sign Up

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice.

ECOSYSTEM
ARTICLE

 Introduction
 Energy flow
 Trophic levels
 Nutrient cycling

MEDIA
ADDITIONAL INFO
HomeScienceEnvironment

ecosystem
Print Cite Share More
BY The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 11, 2021 | View Edit History
Yamal Peninsula
See all media
Key People:
 
Charles Elton Pierre Dansereau
Related Topics:
 
Population ecological disturbance Ecological resilience Trophic cascade Biogeochemical
cycle
...(Show more)

FULL ARTICLE

ecosystem, the complex of living organisms, their

physical environment, and all their interrelationships in a particular
unit of space.

A brief treatment of ecosystems follows. For full

treatment, see biosphere.
 BRITANNICA QUIZ

Ecosystems

There are a lot of ecosystems in the world. How much do you know about the

different types of ecosystems?

An ecosystem can be categorized into its abiotic constituents,

including minerals, climate, soil, water, sunlight, and all other
nonliving elements, and its biotic constituents, consisting of all its
living members. Linking these constituents together are two major
forces: the flow of energy through the ecosystem and the cycling
of nutrients within the ecosystem. Ecosystems vary in size: some are
small enough to be contained within single water droplets while others
are large enough to encompass entire landscapes and regions
(see biome).
Energy flow

Examine the trophic levels of producers, herbivores, and carnivores in a given

ecosystem
Understanding energy flow in ecosystems.