Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ecosystem

noun

/ˈiː.kəˌsɪs.təm/

Definition

A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.

Examples

The forest is a diverse ecosystem home to many species.
Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that support a wide variety of marine life.
Urban areas can also be considered ecosystems, with unique interactions between humans, plants, and animals.

Meaning

An ecosystem includes all the plants, animals, and microorganisms in a given area, along with the non-living components like water, air, and soil, working together as a system.