The ecosystem
Example: Ecosystem includes living organisms interacting with their environment
Definition
"The ecosystem" refers to a biological community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment, functioning as a system. It includes plants, animals, microorganisms, and non-living elements like air, water, and soil, all connected through nutrient cycles and energy flows.
Etymology
The term "ecosystem" was coined in 1935 by British ecologist Arthur Tansley. It combines the Greek word 'oikos,' meaning 'house' or 'environment,' with 'system,' highlighting the interconnectedness of living and non-living components within a habitat. Did you know the word emphasizes nature as a living system rather than isolated parts?
Learn to use this word actively
"The ecosystem" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - Environment - (A1-C2) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used words.
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