The primary role of vascular plants in ecosystems is to facilitate the transportation of water, nutrients, and food throughout their structures, predominantly through specialized tissues like xylem and phloem. Vascular plants play a crucial part in maintaining ecological balance, contributing to habitat stability and providing food and shelter for diverse species. They also participate in carbon sequestration, storing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is vital for sustaining life on Earth. Thus, vascular plants are central to ecosystem functioning and overall biodiversity.