1.2 Investigating ecosystems

Let’s examine the concept of an ecosystem in more detail using an example that is familiar to many people: a pool on a rocky beach, in Britain (Figure 2). As you work through, consider what defines the limits of a particular ecosystem.

• How does the tide change the nature of a rock pool ecosystem?
• What role does the Sun take in sustaining the ecosystem in the rock pool?

Also think about how can this be extrapolated and applied to other ecosystems with variable physical environments.