A mature ecosystem is a complex community of organisms that has developed over time and has reached a balanced and relatively stable state. It is characterized by high levels of biodiversity and structural diversity, complex interactions among species and efficient nutrient recycling. This complexity and diversity provides some resilience against external disturbances and facilitates adaptation to environmental changes.
Mature ecosystems are efficient at recycling nutrients through several mechanisms, including photosynthesis, consumption by animals of plants and other animals, decomposition, in which dead organic matter is broken down and returned to the soil, and microbial activity within the soil.
However, not all mature ecosystems are at their final stage of biodiversity and structural diversity. Climax communities are mature ecosystems that are the final stage of ecological succession and are highly resilient against disturbances, typically remaining relatively unchanged until disrupted by major environmental changes, such as a fire or human activity.
Examples of mature ecosystems include temperate deciduous forests, tropical rainforests, mangrove forests, desert ecosystems and coral reefs.