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## Characteristics of Ecosystems In ecosystems, energy and matter flow between living organisms and their environment. Due to this relation, three characteristics are identified: - **Dynamism**: In ecosystems, energy and matter flow from one living being to another through food chains and networks...

## Characteristics of Ecosystems In ecosystems, energy and matter flow between living organisms and their environment. Due to this relation, three characteristics are identified: - **Dynamism**: In ecosystems, energy and matter flow from one living being to another through food chains and networks, which makes ecosystems dynamic and in constant movement. - **Variability**: Ecosystems are not static, they can vary the composition of their communities, due to changes in environmental conditions or in any of their components. - **Complexity**: Ecosystems are formed through the adaptation and even the *evolution* of organisms to places that can also change over time. For this reason, ecosystems are in constant change. Despite the fact that ecosystems are dynamic, variable and complex, all their components need to maintain a balance to function properly. This balance can be broken by natural events or by human actions.