A healthy diversity of plant and animal species is essential to the nation's environment. In addition to its varied native species, the United States is home to many other introduced species. The relationship between plant and animal species and the ecosystems in which they exist is fundamental. Understanding and protecting this relationship from the effects of pollution is an important part of the EPA's mission as is the protection of the nation's endangered species.

Recommended EPA Web pages

• Ecosystems and Biodiversity
  Provides information about ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Watershed Academy Web: Invasive Non-Native Species
  Information regarding invasive non - native species.

Aquatic Ecosystems
Aquaculture, Coral Reefs, Estuaries, Freshwater Ecosystems, Lakes, Marine Ecosystems, Oceans, Shellfish Protection

Ecological Monitoring
Ecological Assessment, Environmental Indicators

Ecological Restoration

Landscape Ecology

Mines
Abandoned Mine

Soils
Erosion, Leaching

Species
Endangered Species, Exotic Species

Terrestrial Ecosystems
Coasts, Forests, Urban Ecosystems, Watersheds, Wetlands