Introduction to ecosystems

2.2 Exploring oak woodland

Figure 2

We now explore oak woodland, and the food chains and webs that exist in it. Woodlands produce a huge variety of habitats, which in turn are occupied by a huge variety of organisms.

In ‘Touring an oak woodland’, Professor David Streeter introduces you to a complex ecosystem. As you watch the video, recall the concept of indicator species, which you saw in the first week and consider the follwoing questions.

  • Why are the inter-relationships in ecosystems like woodlands so complex?
  • What can food chains tell us about the ecosystems that exist in a particular woodland area?
  • How have woodlands been managed?
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