Which of the following BEST describes an ecosystem?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Understanding the concept of an ecosystem involves integrating both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components within a particular environment. 
Option a: 'all of the biological interactions, plus interactions with the abiotic environment, in a given area.' This captures the holistic view of an ecosystem, acknowledging that organisms interact with one another and with physical factors like air, water, soil, and climate, all within a defined area. This aligns with the standard definition used in ecology.
Option b: 'populations + community.' This description covers levels of organization (populations and communities) but omits the crucial abiotic interactions and the broader network of species–environment relationships that define an ecosystem.
Option c: 'all species, population, and community interactions for organisms in a given area.' While this mentions interactions among organisms and the concept of a given area, it again focuses on biotic interactions and ignores the essential abiotic context that shapes those interactions, which is necessary for an ecosystem definition.
Option d: 'the abiotic components of the environment.' This option only accounts for nonliving factors and neglects the living components and their interactions, which are also fundamental to what an ecosystem encompasses.
In sum, the strongest description synthesizes both the living and nonliving parts and their interactions within a defined area, whereas the other options focus on narrower aspects that miss key ecosystem elements.

252_NSC2100 Environmental Science

Which of the following BEST describes an ecosystem?

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