Generally speaking, a healthy ecosystem contains the following elements:
-A large variety of plant and animal species that interact with one another in their natural environment
- competent environmental processes that regulate the conditions of the environment
- a balanced distribution of resources within the ecosystem
- habitats that are diverse and representative of the natural landscape
Some other key considerations often include:
-The ability of ecosystems to regenerate themselves after disturbances, such as fire or logging.
-The integrity of ecological functions, such as nutrient cycling and water regulation.