Ecosystem function is the study of how ecological processes and interactions within an ecosystem contribute to its overall functioning and stability. This research area examines the roles of various components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, microorganisms, and abiotic factors like water and soil, in maintaining key processes like nutrient cycling, energy flow, and biodiversity. Understanding ecosystem function is critical for informing management and conservation strategies to promote resilience and sustainability in natural and human-altered environments.