Ecosystems by definition are inter-related, but are often conceptually described by structure, function (or processes), and composition. However, examination of systems shows that there are considerable overlaps and linkages between these.

Structure is important to how ecosystems function among and between themselves. It includes such characteristics as growth form(s)(or physiogynomy), patterns (landform, vegetation, etc.), and existing conditions. Other factors include size of individuals and patches, shape, age class, distribution, and juxtaposition of structures in and adjacent to other ecosystems. Structure can be thought of both as vertical (e.g. a multi-layered forest) and or horizontal (e.g. transition from forest to meadow to shrubland to forest) or juxtaposition of one type of structure to another in a landscape.

Composition includes species and their proportion to each other in a given system. For vegetation and fauna this includes the dominant as well as less common species. In landscapes and ecosystems, geology, soils, water, and climate are often included as part of composition.

Function or processes includes fundamental ecosystem processes such as carbon balances, nutrient and energy cycles, etc. as well as all known historical disturbances or perturbations that modify such processes. Examples include grazing, trampling, logging, foraging by ungulates, wind, flood, insects, diseases, and fire. Each ecosystem differs by the processes or perturbations that have been or are most active. The most common in semi-natural systems are fires, insects, and diseases. Fundamental processes are more difficult and costly to ascertain at broad scales. They are either modeled rather than measured, or in some instances disturbance regimes and or patterns are used as a more easily observed surrogates.

Economic Efficiency - One objective of economics, to allocate scarce resources to their best use.

Economic Equity - One objective of economics, to permit fair participation in economic production and consumption.