What is an ecosystem?

An ecosystem is best defined as a community of interdependent organisms interacting with their physical environment. This definition encompasses not only the living components (biotic factors) such as plants, animals, and microorganisms but also the non-living elements (abiotic factors) like water, soil, air, and climate. These components work together in a dynamic relationship, where energy flows and nutrients cycle, supporting life and maintaining ecological balance.

Understanding ecosystems involves recognizing the intricate interactions among various species and their adaptations to environmental conditions. For example, plants provide oxygen and food for herbivores, which, in turn, are prey for carnivores. The physical environment plays a crucial role as well, influencing the distribution and abundance of organisms and affecting how they interact with one another.

The other options do not accurately convey the full scope of what an ecosystem entails. A physical environment devoid of organisms fails to recognize the importance of living communities. A group of organisms of the same species overlooks the interactions that occur within and between different species that define an ecosystem. Lastly, simply describing a region populated by diverse species does not account for the essential relationships and interdependencies that exist in the ecological context.