An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature where living organisms (biotic factors) interact among themselves and with their physical environment (abiotic factors) such as sunlight, water, and soil.
Key components of an ecosystem:
- Biotic Components: Includes all living things like plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- Abiotic Components: Includes non-living elements like air, water, soil, and sunlight.
- Interdependence: It highlights the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients between the living and non-living components.
Analysis of Options:
- Option A: Describes a 'community' (only interactions between living organisms).
- Option B: Describes the 'biosphere' (the zone of Earth where life exists).
- Option C: Correctly defines an ecosystem as the combination of the biotic community and its abiotic environment.
- Option D: Refers to the 'biota' or 'biodiversity' of a specific region.
