What is an ecosystem?

The definition of an ecosystem encompasses both the biological community and the physical environment in which these organisms interact. It includes all living things, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the non-living components like air, water, and minerals that support them.

An ecosystem is characterized by the relationships that form as organisms interact with one another and with their environment. This includes processes such as predation, competition, and symbiosis, as well as nutrient cycling and energy flow. Because of this dynamic interplay between organisms and their surroundings, ecosystems function as self-contained units where energy and materials are exchanged, making it essential for understanding environmental science and ecology.

In contrast, other options do not fully capture the complexity and holistic nature of an ecosystem. A population of organisms refers only to a specific group of the same species within a given area, while a community refers to different species living together but does not explicitly include the physical elements of the environment. A biome is a broader classification based on climate and geography that encompasses multiple ecosystems, and an unmanaged natural area could exist without the interdependent relationships that define an ecosystem.