Organism that changes the abiotic environment by physically altering structure, which often have effects on other biota and their interactions, and on ecosystem processes.

The integrated study of biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems and their interactions within an ecosystem framework. This science examines physical and biological structures and examines how these ecosystem characteristics interact with each other.

A persistent (long-time) reduction in the capacity to provide ecosystem services.

A long-term reduction in an ecosystem's structure, functionality, or capacity to provide benefits to people.

See 'Ecosystem-based approach'.

The process of constructing formal accounts for ecosystems.

A dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their non- living environment interacting as a functional unit.

A community of living organisms (plants, animals, fungi and various microbes) in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment (such as energy, air, water and mineral soil), all interacting as a system.

A large area of land or water that contains a geographically distinct assemblage of natural communities that: (a). Share a large majority of their species and ecological dynamics; (b). Share similar environmental conditions, and; (c). Interact ecologically in ways that are critical for their long-term persistence. In contrast to biomes, an ecoregion is generally geographically specific, at a much finer scale.

Degree to which people, property, resources, systems, and cultural, economic, environmental, and social activity are susceptible to harm, degradation, or destruction on being exposed to an economic or environmental hostile agent or factor.