What is an ecosystem?

An ecosystem is best defined as a community of living organisms interacting with their environment. This concept encompasses not only the biotic components, which include various species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, but also the abiotic factors such as water, soil, air, and climate. The interactions among these living organisms and their environment result in various ecological processes, such as energy flow through the food chain, nutrient cycling, and the complex interdependencies among species.

In contrast to this idea, defining an ecosystem solely as a biome with similar climate neglects the dynamic relationships between organisms and their environment. The focus on a single species in a habitat or an individual organism fails to capture the complexity and interconnectedness that characterize ecosystems. Thus, recognizing the holistic nature of ecosystems is essential for understanding ecological concepts and the functioning of natural systems.