International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 1-9 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 3 The aquatic ecosystem also provides important resources, such as fisheries and freshwater supply. These resources are crucial for global food security and water resource management. At the same time, aquatic ecosystems also play an important role in the carbon cycle, absorbing a large amount of carbon dioxide and helping to mitigate climate change. For example, the freshwater lake system in the Great Lakes region of the United States is one of the largest freshwater lake clusters in the world, supporting a large number of fishing and water supply needs. These lakes are not only important resources for local communities, but also play a crucial role in global ecological balance. Figure 2 A coral reef ecosystem 1.3 The role of mammals in ecosystems Mammals play important roles in various ecosystems, as they are one of the key members of the ecological food chain and also play the role of ecosystem engineers. 1.3.1 Part of the food chain Mammals occupy different positions in the food chain. Some mammals are herbivorous, such as cows, deer, and elephants, which maintain life by feeding on plants and become a source of food for carnivores. Other mammals, such as lions, tigers, and jackals, are carnivorous and obtain food by preying on other animals. The interaction of these food chains maintains ecological balance in the ecosystem. For example, on the African savannah, herbivorous animals such as zebras and wildebeests are the main prey of lions and leopards, maintaining the balance of the grassland ecosystem (Figure 3). Figure 3 Food-chain relationships in mammals
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