Plants and animals depend on each other for survival in several ways in an ecosystem. Plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which is essential for animals to breathe. In return, animals produce carbon dioxide which plants need for photosynthesis.
Animals also rely on plants for food and shelter. Herbivores depend on plants for their main source of nutrition, while carnivores rely on herbivores for food. Plants provide habitats for animals, protect them from predators, and offer materials for building nests or burrows.
Moreover, animals help plants in pollination by transferring pollen from one plant to another, which is essential for reproduction in many plant species. Certain animals also disperse seeds by consuming fruits and then excreting the seeds in a different location, helping plants to spread and grow in new areas.
Overall, the interdependence between plants and animals in an ecosystem is crucial for maintaining a balanced and sustainable environment for both to thrive.
