An ecosystem is made up of the interaction of all organisms in an area with all nonliving things. Organisms are living things like animals, plants, and microbes. Nonliving things include water, dirt, rocks and the sun. The living things are called biotic components and the nonliving things are called abiotic components.

There are a few different types of biotic components. Producers are living things that use a process called photosynthesis, which turns the sun's energy, water and carbon dioxide into fuel. Producers form the molecules that are the basis for all life on Earth, including plants, algae and some bacteria.

Consumers are animals that get their energy from eating other plants and animals. Decomposers are organisms that break down animal and plant material to make nutrients available. Examples of decomposers are bacteria, fungi and insects.

Abiotic components include temperature, sunlight, water, wind and minerals.

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