Introduction: An ecosystem is the set of organisms present in a given area as well as the abiotic factors with which they interact; one or more communities and the physical environment surrounding them (Campbell, 2012, G-11). Our goal is to observe how these factors interact with each other and provide a record of our observations in our particular ecosystem. By observing these interactions we gain an appreciation of the diversity and complex nature of ecosystems. By observing our environment we can make predictions about the feeding relationships that shape the ecosystem. By observing plant life in an ecosystem we can predict the following heterotrophic factors, since autotrophs are the providers of all energy. Through understanding ecosystems we see that they provide us with essential chemical cycles and by understanding them we see relevance to understanding ecosystems in today's society. Materials and method: Choose a site that is at least 32 square meters and has a constant natural ecosystem. This may include sites such as: • Parks. • Wooded land. • A sand dune on a beach. It must be constant in the fact that you cannot have two types of ecosystem in the same research area, for example: section of bush that opens onto grass. land.I completed my study on Wednesday May 14th at 9am with Jacob Mitiloneos and Mitch Crameri. We chose a section of woodland on Gardviers Creek on the Deakin campus. We took 2 hours to complete our research, you should allow at least this time to complete the research and this will allow you to collect all the data on other biotic factors. My area consisted of wooded land near the creek, but not close enough to be ecologically affected. See figure 2. It had tall trees and a thick layer of bark. My if...... middle of paper ......or that living plants can utilize these nutrients.Conclusion:Through this exercise we can better understand and appreciate the elements of our ecosystem. Therefore we can understand the importance of many processes and living organisms that play an important role in maintaining these processes. From producers to decomposers we see that ecosystems are based on a complex range of systems. By taking and recording this information we can use it to communicate the importance of preserving our ecosystems in today's society. References: Ecology and environment. Janine McBurnie. McGraw-Hill Create. VitalBook.Campbell Biology files. Campbell, Reece, Meyers, Urry, Cain, Wasserman, Minorsky, Jackson, and Cookie. Pearson Group Australia. 2012.Ecology: the delicate balance of life on Earth. Hollar and Sherman. Britannica Educational Group 2011