plants: crop plants, field-edge vegetation, tropical source trees, understory plants, wetland plants, freshwater algae and soil-building groundcover

purpose: plants turn sunlight, water and soil nutrients into living growth.

fungi: root-associated fungi, decomposer fungi, tropical mycorrhizae, soil fungi and yeasts

purpose: fungi help plant roots absorb water and nutrients and break down dead matter.

microorganisms: root-associated bacteria, nutrient-cycling archaea, decomposer microbes, freshwater bacteria, protozoa and microscopic algae

purpose: microorganisms break down organic matter and recycle nutrients.

insects: crop pollinators, predatory beetles, tropical pollinators, decomposer insects, aquatic insect larvae and soil-dwelling insects

purpose: insects pollinate plants, recycle organic matter and control pests.

soil animals: earthworms, springtails, mites and nematodes

purpose: soil animals mix and aerate soil and break down organic matter.

aquatic animals: fish, frogs, salamanders and freshwater reptiles

purpose: aquatic animals move nutrients through freshwater food webs and regulate insect and algae populations.