Which component of an ecosystem includes both living and non-living elements?

The ecosystem is the correct answer because it encompasses both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components that interact with each other in a specific environment. An ecosystem includes all organisms within a community, their physical surroundings, and the interactions between both. This means it encompasses everything from plants and animals to water, air, minerals, and climate, all functioning together as a cohesive unit.

Biotic factors refer specifically to the living aspects of the ecosystem, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. Abiotic factors, on the other hand, cover the non-living components, including sunlight, water, temperature, soil, and nutrients. The habitat is the specific area where an organism lives, which can be part of an ecosystem but does not itself include both living and non-living elements in a broader sense. Hence, the concept of an ecosystem effectively captures the totality of interactions and components, making it the most inclusive choice.