Ecological stoichiometry

Ecological stoichiometry is the study of the balance of key elements—mainly carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus—in living organisms and their environments. It helps us understand how nutrient ratios influence biological processes like growth, reproduction, and interactions within ecosystems. By examining these elemental patterns, scientists can better predict how changes—such as pollution or climate shifts—affect ecosystems’ health and functioning. Essentially, it reveals how the availability and proportion of essential nutrients control the structure and dynamics of living communities and their environments.