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.

    Slang Meanings of ecosystem