Ecosystem

Any natural unit or entity including living and non-living parts that interact to produce a stable system through cyclic exchange of materials.

The complex system of plant, animal, fungal, and microorganism communities and their associated non-living environment interacting as an ecological unit. Ecosystems have no fixed boundaries; instead their parameters are set to the scientific, management, or policy question being examined. Depending upon the purpose of analysis, a single lake, a watershed, or an entire region could be considered an ecosystem.

relationships between and among living organisms and their non-living environment.

A complex ecological community or environment forming a functioning whole.

The organisms in a plant population and the biotic and abiotic factors which impact on them. See abiotic factors; Biotic factors.

The complex of a living community and its environment, functioning as an ecological unit in nature. See: abiotic; biotic factors.

The species and natural communities of a specific location interacting with one another and with the physical environment.

The system of interactions between living organisms and their environment.

A group of organisms and their physical environments, interacting as an ecological unit.

A community of organisms (animals, plants, and micro-organisms), including humans, interacting with each other and their physical environment.