Page "Ecosystem" Paragraph 11

Unlike external factors, internal factors in ecosystems not only control ecosystem processes, but are also controlled by them.

Consequently, they are often subject to feedback loops.

While the resource inputs are generally controlled by external processes like climate and parent material, the availability of these resources within the ecosystem is controlled by internal factors like decomposition, root competition or shading.

Other factors like disturbance, succession or the types of species present are also internal factors.

Human activities are important in almost all ecosystems.

Although humans exist and operate within ecosystems, their cumulative effects are large enough to influence external factors like climate.