How is an ecosystem defined?

An ecosystem is defined as a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment. This definition encapsulates the dynamic relationships between biotic factors, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, and abiotic factors, including water, soil, climate, and nutrients.

In an ecosystem, the biotic components depend on one another for survival (e.g., through food webs and various ecological roles), and they also rely on the abiotic components to provide essential resources for growth, reproduction, and overall life processes. This interconnectedness emphasizes the importance of both living organisms and their physical surroundings, making the definition comprehensive and indicative of the complexity and interdependence of life within a specific habitat.

Understanding this concept is crucial in ecology as it helps in analyzing how energy flows through the system, how matter cycles, and how changes in either the living or non-living components can impact the overall health and stability of the ecosystem.