What is an ecosystem?

An ecosystem is best defined as a community of living organisms and their environment. This definition encompasses both the biotic factors (the living components such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms) and the abiotic factors (the non-living components such as water, air, soil, and climate) that interact with each other. In an ecosystem, these components work together to create complex relationships, forming a balanced system where energy flows and nutrients cycle.

This holistic view of an ecosystem highlights the interdependence of organisms and their physical surroundings. For instance, plants provide oxygen and food for animals, while animals contribute to the dispersal of seeds and the nutrient cycling in the soil. Such interactions are crucial for the sustainability of ecosystems and the services they provide, such as clean air, water purification, and food production.

The other options do not capture this essential interaction. A group of non-living components refers only to the abiotic factors without acknowledging the living organisms. A collection of inorganic materials is even more limited, focusing solely on non-living substances and missing the biological interactions completely. An isolated area without any interactions doesn't exhibit the dynamic relationships that characterize an ecosystem, which are crucial for its functioning. Thus, the correct option emphasizes the interconnectedness