Which statement best defines an ecosystem?

An ecosystem is best defined as a community of organisms interacting with their environment because this definition encompasses both the living (biotic) components, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, and the non-living (abiotic) factors, such as air, water, soil, and climate. In an ecosystem, organisms not only coexist but also engage in various interactions like predation, competition, symbiosis, and nutrient cycling. These interactions are vital as they influence the structure and function of the ecosystem, leading to the flow of energy and the cycling of matter.

While the concept of organisms fighting for resources captures a competitive aspect of ecosystems, it does not reflect the full complexity of interactions that occur within an ecosystem. The focus on a specific population of one species overlooks the community aspect that defines an ecosystem. Describing an ecosystem as simply the physical space where organisms live neglects the dynamics of interactions and relationships critical to ecosystem health and sustainability. Thus, defining an ecosystem as a community of organisms interacting with their environment provides a holistic view of the biological and environmental interdependencies present in nature.