Meaning & Definition of word "Ecosystem"
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Ecosystem
/ˈiːkoʊˌsɪstəm/
noun:
- 1. A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
- Example: The Amazon rainforest is one of the largest and most diverse ecosystems on the planet.
- 2. A complex network or interconnected system, often used metaphorically in various fields such as technology or economics.
- Example: The startup ecosystem in Silicon Valley fosters innovation and entrepreneurship.
- 3. A system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their environment.
- Example: Coral reefs are vital marine ecosystems that support a diverse range of life.
- 4. The interdependent relationships formed between living organisms and their surroundings.
- Example: Pollinators like bees play a critical role in our agricultural ecosystem.
- 5. An ecological unit comprised of both biotic and abiotic components interacting as a system.
- Example: Wetlands serve as important ecosystems by filtering water and providing habitat for wildlife.
Etymology
The word 'ecosystem' is derived from 'eco-' (from ecology) and 'system', first coined in 1935.
Common Phrases and Expressions
ecosystem services:
Benefits provided by ecosystems, such as clean air and water.
digital ecosystem:
A network of interconnected digital resources and technologies.
ecosystem management:
The process of managing the interactions within ecosystems.
Related Words
ecology:
The branch of biology that deals with the relationships of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.
biodiversity:
The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.