Atoms are the building blocks of the universe. Although the insignificance of their size is impossible to fathom, everything that exists is composed of them. Atoms consist of even smaller particles called protons, neutrons and electrons. Atoms join together to form molecules that comprise of everyday objects such as cars, desks and even the air you breathe. There are 90 naturally occurring kinds of atoms, and scientists have been able to create 25 more.
When animals, plants and smaller organism live, interact, feed and reproduce in the same area, an ecosystem is created. Ecosystems vary in size and can be found in the coral reef of an ocean or in a meadow at the edge of the forest. As everything in the ecosystem is made of atoms, the atoms need a constant source of energy to maintain the cycle of life.
Sunlight is the primary form of energy which nourishes ecosystems. It is used to convert water and carbon dioxide into simple, energy-rich carbohydrates. The autotrophs such as plants and algae use this energy to produce the more complex organic compounds, such as proteins, lipids, and starches. The autotrophs generate organic matter which sustains heterotrophic organisms. Animals, fungi, most bacteria and nearly all other microorganisms are Heterotrophs. Unable to produce their own food, Heterotrophs use, rearrange and decompose the complex organic materials produced by the autotrophs. Both autotrophs and heterotrophs are made of atoms whose complex processes and energy cycles enable the ecosystem to function.
As a result of the perpetual increase in human population, ecosystems are under threat from man's reckless endangerment of the environment. Ecosystems are a key factor in protecting life in all its spectacular color, shape, size, and variety. They are thriving breeding grounds for bio-diversity, and home to the countless atoms, multitude of species and organic components which make ecosystems such spectacular and unique places.