What does the term "ecosystem" refer to?

The term "ecosystem" refers to a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. This includes not just the plants and animals within the community, but also the non-living elements such as water, air, soil, and climate, which all play a critical role in sustaining life. In an ecosystem, each organism has a unique role, contributing to the functioning and balance of the system as a whole.

Understanding an ecosystem involves recognizing the interdependence of species, the flow of energy and nutrients, and the various processes that occur within the environment. This concept is foundational in ecology, as it helps explain the relationships and dynamics within natural environments, which is fundamentally different from merely identifying a specific habitat or method of ecological study.