When we contemplate nature, we may be dazzled by towering trees and vibrant flowers, but the truth is that the foundation of this beauty and ecological strength lies in the tiny plants. These tiny organisms, which we sometimes overlook, represent one of the most important pillars of the ecosystem. Without them, plant life would not begin, the food cycle would not be completed, the soil would not stabilize, and life would not be renewed.<br /><br />Tiny plants include several types of plants, including:<br /><br />Seedlings and seedlings: small plants resulting from germinating seeds.<br /><br />Herbs: short plants that grow in gardens, fields, or forests.<br /><br />Creeping plants: such as ivy or catnip.<br /><br />Micro-aquatic plants: such as mosses and small ferns.<br /><br />Despite their diversity, what unites them is their small size, rapid growth, and significant role in supporting the ecosystem.<br /><br />The roles of young plants in the ecosystem:<br />1. Oxygen release<br /><br />Through photosynthesis, young plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, contributing to air renewal and maintaining the balance of gases in the atmosphere.<br /><br />2. Primary food source<br /><br />Insects, rodents, reptiles, and some birds feed on them, making them the primary source of food chains.<br /><br />3. Soil stabilization and erosion prevention<br /><br />The roots of young plants spread rapidly, binding soil particles together, reducing the risk of erosion by wind or water, especially in mountainous or desert regions.<br /><br />4. Moisture conservation<br /><br />Young plants cover the soil surface, reducing evaporation and conserving soil moisture, which is crucial in arid environments.<br /><br />5. Biological integration<br /><br />Young plants interact with soil microorganisms (such as beneficial bacteria and fungi), increasing soil fertility and aiding in nutrient cycling.<br /><br />Relationships with other organisms:<br /><br />Provide shelter for insects such as bees, butterflies, and beetles.<br /><br />They stimulate the growth of beneficial root-associated fungi (mycorrhizae).<br /><br />They provide a suitable environment for small reptiles to hide and hunt.<br /><br />Young plants and climate change:<br /><br />Young plants play an indirect role in combating global warming, as they absorb carbon dioxide and mitigate the effects of drought and heat through their influence on soil and moisture.<br /><br />Although they are not easily seen and often do not attract attention, young plants represent the beating heart of the ecosystem. They are the beginning of every cycle and the foundation of every continuity. Preserving them means preserving ecological balance and life itself.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq.<br/><br/><a href=https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/health/ target=_blank>Goal 3 - Good health and well-being</a>