What defines an ecosystem?

An ecosystem is fundamentally defined as a community of living organisms, which includes plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, along with the non-living elements of their environment, such as air, water, soil, and climate. This definition captures the intricate interactions between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.

In an ecosystem, the living organisms interact with each other and with their physical environment in various ways, such as through food chains, nutrient cycles, and energy flow. This holistic view highlights how living beings depend on one another and their surroundings, making it essential for understanding ecological dynamics.

Other options fall short of capturing the full essence of an ecosystem. For example, a group of organisms of the same species refers only to a population, which does not consider the broader interactions with the environment or other species. An abiotic environment without life is simply a habitat, lacking the biotic components that define an ecosystem. Lastly, a system of reproducing organisms does not encompass the critical interactions and relationships with their environment. Therefore, the choice identifying an ecosystem as a community of living organisms and their environment accurately reflects the complex interactions that define this ecological unit.