An ecosystem is defined as a natural unit consisting of all living and non-living things interacting in an area. Energy from the sun captured through photosynthesis by plants is passed up the food chain from herbivores to carnivores to detrivores. Human impacts such as clearing forests can disrupt ecosystems by reducing habitat, fragmenting areas, introducing invasive species, oversimplifying diversity, and contaminating environments. Ecosystems in Australia include wetlands, coral reefs, rainforests, arid inland areas, and islands.