Ecosystem functions refer to the natural processes that occur within an ecosystem, contributing to its health and stability. These functions include nutrient cycling, where elements like nitrogen and phosphorus are recycled through soil, plants, and animals, and energy flow, which describes how energy from the sun is captured by plants and transferred through the food chain. Additionally, ecosystem functions support biodiversity, which is the variety of life forms within an ecosystem. Healthy ecosystems provide essential services such as clean air and water, pollination of crops, and habitat for wildlife, all of which are vital for sustaining life on Earth.