What does an ecosystem consist of?

An ecosystem is defined as a complex network that includes not just the living organisms, which make up the community, but also the abiotic factors, such as climate, soil, water, and nutrients, in an area. This interaction between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components is vital for the functioning and sustainability of the ecosystem.

In an ecosystem, biotic factors, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, interact with each other and with their physical environment. For example, plants require sunlight, water, and soil nutrients (abiotic factors) to grow, while animals rely on plants and other animals for food and shelter. This interdependence highlights the importance of both community and abiotic elements in an ecosystem.

Other choices focus on either just the living organisms, which overlook essential non-living factors that influence their survival and interactions, or only the abiotic factors, which neglect the critical roles that living organisms play in the ecosystem. Additionally, genetic diversity is important for the resilience of populations but does not encompass the entirety of an ecosystem. Thus, the correct understanding of an ecosystem incorporates both the community of organisms and the abiotic factors interacting within that environment.