define ecosystem

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An ecosystem is a complex network of interactions among living organisms (such as plants, animals, and microorganisms) and their physical environment (including air, water, soil, and climate). It encompasses both biotic (living) components and abiotic (non-living) components, functioning together to sustain life.

Ecosystems can vary in size and can be as small as a puddle or as large as a forest or ocean. They involve various processes, including energy flow, nutrient cycling, and the interdependence of species. Ecosystems can be influenced by natural factors (like climate and geographical changes) as well as human activities (such as pollution, deforestation, and urban development). The health and stability of an ecosystem are crucial for biodiversity, environmental balance, and the services it provides to the planet and humanity, such as clean air and water, pollination of plants, and climate regulation.