What does an ecosystem consist of?

An ecosystem is fundamentally defined as a community of living organisms interacting with one another and their physical environment. This includes not only the organisms themselves—such as animals, plants, and microorganisms—but also the non-living elements that make up their environment, like soil, air, water, and climate. The interdependencies and interactions among these organisms, as well as their relationships with the abiotic factors, create a complex web of life that sustains the ecosystem as a whole.

This definition encapsulates the dynamic nature of ecosystems, where both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components influence each other and contribute to the overall health and functionality of the system. By recognizing that an ecosystem is more than just physical elements or individual species, we can better appreciate the intricate relationships that underlie ecological balance and biodiversity.

While other options may emphasize certain aspects of ecosystems, they do not represent the full scope of what an ecosystem truly is. Focusing solely on soil and air neglects the biological interactions at play, and defining ecosystems only through the lens of plants and microorganisms fails to acknowledge the diverse array of organisms involved in the system. Lastly, human-made environments, while they can serve as ecosystems, do not encompass the broader natural ecosystems that exist