What is an ecosystem?
One-line takeaway
BLUF: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, microbes) interacting with each other and with their physical environment as a system.
A fundamental explanation of what is an ecosystem?
The Explanation
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, microbes) interacting with each other and with their physical environment as a system. It includes biotic factors (species populations, food webs) and abiotic factors (water, soil, climate). These elements form a functional unit: energy flows (sun→plants→animals) and nutrients cycle (carbon, nitrogen, etc.) within it. For example, a forest ecosystem comprises trees, understory plants, animals, insects, soils and streams working together. Ecosystems are dynamic and self-regulating, with each part affecting others, forming the "bubble of life" in that locale.