Final answer:
Ecosystems are composed of biotic and abiotic factors that interact in complex ways, such as the nutrient exchange between plants and soil or how aquatic organisms affect water quality in their ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ecosystems are complex networks where biotic factors, such as plants, animals, fungi, and micro-organisms, interact with abiotic factors like temperature, water, soil, and air. An example of this interaction is the relationship between plants and soil: plants (biotic) extract nutrients and water (abiotic) from the soil to grow and develop, while they also contribute organic matter to the soil when they shed leaves or when they die and decompose. Similarly, aquatic organisms rely on oxygen dissolved in water (abiotic) for respiration, and their presence and activities can influence water quality and nutrient cycles within their ecosystem. These interactions are fundamental to the balance and flow of energy through the food web as well as the cycling of nutrients.
An ecosystem consists of two types of factors: biotic factors and abiotic factors.
Biotic factors are the living aspects of the environment, including organisms such as plants, animals, and fungi. They interact with each other and with the abiotic factors.
Abiotic factors, on the other hand, are the nonliving aspects of the environment. These include factors such as sunlight, temperature, water, and soil. Abiotic factors also interact with each other and with the biotic factors.
For example, trees (biotic factor) interact with sunlight (abiotic factor) to undergo photosynthesis and produce oxygen. Animals (biotic factor) rely on water (abiotic factor) for hydration and survival. This interaction between biotic and abiotic factors is necessary for the functioning of an ecosystem.