In an introductory ecology context, what is an ecosystem comprised of?

• A. Only the nonliving (abiotic) components such as climate, soil, and water
• B. Only the living organisms (biotic factors) in a particular area
• C. All the populations of a single species across multiple geographic regions
• D. A community of organisms and the abiotic (physical and chemical) environment they interact with

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an ecosystem in ecology: it includes both living and nonliving components in a particular area.
2. Identify the living components, known as biotic factors, which include all organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.
3. Identify the nonliving components, known as abiotic factors, which include physical and chemical elements like climate, soil, water, temperature, and sunlight.
4. Recognize that an ecosystem is the interaction between these biotic and abiotic components, forming a functional unit where energy flows and nutrients cycle.
5. Conclude that an ecosystem is not just living organisms or just nonliving factors alone, nor is it limited to populations of a single species, but rather the combination of all organisms and their physical environment interacting together.