Ecosystem Components and Processes

Start with ecosystem connections

The ecosystem mind map introduces living and non-living parts of an area. Start there if you want a broad overview before moving to individual processes. The Living World slide set then offers a way to look at food chains and webs, as well as a case study on sustainable management in Epping Forest.

As you study, note the terms that connect the resources. You can return to the overview map when a detail in the slides needs more context.

Explore soils with mind maps

For soil formation, begin with the Soil mind map that covers composition and the soil profile. It also shows influences on formation, including climate, living things, vegetation and time. Use the other Soil mind map to look more closely at leaching and the movement of materials between soil horizons.

Brown Earth focuses on leaf litter, humus and decomposition. Another soil mind map includes factors in formation and a section on podzol. Together, these maps offer different ways to organize the soil material on this page.

Use flashcards to check recall

The Soils flashcards ask about formation, soil layers and why soil is important. Try answering a card before looking back at a mind map for the relevant detail. The flashcards on energy flow and ecosystem terms provide another starting point, while Part 1 of Battle for the Biosphere includes cards on climate change and the hydrological cycle.

There are no listed quizzes here. With a free account, you can make your own quiz from the material and use it alongside a mind map to check what you remember.

Place the topic in its unit

Ecosystem Components and Processes is part of the Ecosystems and Biomes unit in Geography. The resources let you move between an overview of ecosystems and details such as soils and energy flow. Choose a map and a flashcard deck to study side by side.