Question

An ecosystem is a
A) group of components that interact with one another
B) group of interacting chemicals and their cycles
C) group of interacting species in one place at one time
D) biologic community and components of the physical environment with which the community interacts

Answer 1

Hint: An ecosystem is a population of living organisms that communicate as a system with the nonliving components of their environment. Nutrient cycles and energy flows connect these biotic and abiotic components.

Complete answer:
An ecosystem is a geographical region in which plants, animals, and other species, as well as weather and landscape, coexist to form a bubble of life. Ecosystems include both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components. Ecosystems may be extremely large or extremely tiny.

An ecosystem's structure is defined by the organisation of both biotic and abiotic components. This involves energy delivery in our climate. It also contains the prevailing climatic conditions in that particular setting.

An ecosystem's structure can be divided into two major components, namely
i) Biotic Constituents:
- All life in an ecosystem is referred to as the abiotic portion. On the basis of nutrition, biotic components are classified as autotrophs, heterotrophs, or saprotrophs (or decomposers).
- All autotrophs, such as plants, are producers. They are called autotrophs because they can create food by photosynthesis. As a result, all other species higher up the food chain depend on producers for food.
- Consumers, also known as heterotrophs, are species that depend on other organisms for food. Consumers are further subdivided into major, secondary, and tertiary consumers.

ii) Abiotic constituents:
- The non-living elements of an ecosystem are referred to as abiotic components. It consists of air, water, soil, minerals, sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind, altitude, turbidity, and other factors.

So, the correct answer is option ‘D’.

Note: In an ecosystem, the biotic and abiotic components are inextricably linked. It is an open system in which energy and components can flow freely across the boundaries. Whereas energy, but not matter, is shared in a closed system.