An ecosystem consists of all of the living and non-living things functioning together in an area.
This means that an ecosystem is not just about the plants and animals that live in a specific environment; it also includes the physical components like soil, water, and climate, as well as the interactions between these factors. Living organisms interact with each other and their environment to form a complex web of relationships that sustain life.
For example, in a forest ecosystem, you have trees, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, all of which contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. Additionally, abiotic factors like sunlight, temperature, and nutrients play a crucial role in determining how well these living organisms thrive.
In summary, an ecosystem is a dynamic system that encompasses the intricate interplay between both living organisms and their non-living surroundings.