Ecological Core: the necessary natural constraints inherent in water, energy, atmosphere and landscape, together with vegetation and wildlife. WEAL

AKA:

An ecosystem, or ecological system as a set of conditions where energy is converted into matter in a particular area over time.

Both the habitat and the biological community function together as a unit providing a source of wealth, stability and essential services.

1. wealth
1. resources such as fish, gold, oil, diamonds, domestic animals.
2. real estate
3. waterfalls exhibit gravitational power
4. forests provide timber, water provides transport
2. stability
1. water bodies temper extreme heat and cold
2. wetlands absorb flood water
3. trees provide shade and protect soil from erosion
4. plants moderate temperature and retard soil erosion
3. essential services
1. moving water purifies wastes, transports sediment
2. mountains collect and store snow and rain water
3. aquifers, lakes and streams hold water
4. wind cleans away contaminated air
5. plants make oxygen