The term you’re looking for is ‘ecosystem’. An ecosystem encompasses all the living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, along with the non-living components like air, water, soil, and minerals that exist in a particular area and interact with one another.
In an ecosystem, living things (the biotic factors) and non-living things (the abiotic factors) interact in complex ways. For instance, plants (producers) use sunlight to grow, animals (consumers) eat those plants, and decomposers break down dead organic material, returning important nutrients to the soil. This interaction helps maintain the balance of the environment and supports life.
Overall, ecosystems can vary widely in size and diversity, from a small pond to a vast forest, and understanding them is crucial for conservation and environmental management.