What is an ecosystem?

'a bison standing in a field'

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, which includes all biotic and abiotic components. Biotic factors consist of plants, animals, and microorganisms, while abiotic factors include elements like soil, water, and climate. Together, these components are linked through nutrient cycles and energy flows, forming complex relationships that support life[1][4][5].

Ecosystems can vary greatly in size, from small ponds to vast forests, and are influenced by both external factors, like climate and geography, and internal processes, such as decomposition and species interactions[3][5][6]. Energy flows through these systems, primarily starting with producers that perform photosynthesis, and is transferred to consumers and decomposers[2][6].

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