Final answer:
An organism is an individual living entity interacting with its environment, which includes both biotic and abiotic factors. The study of these interactions is known as ecology, encompassing all levels from individual organisms to the biosphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
Entity and Its Environment in Biology
Within the context of biology and ecology, an organism can be defined as an individual living entity that has a particular form and structure, a boundary that defines its space, and a lifespan from birth to death with development in between. This organism continuously interacts with its environment, which is composed of both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors that affect its survival and behavior. For instance, the temperature and oxygen levels (abiotic factors) can influence whether a particular organism can exist in a certain habitat, while the presence of other organisms (biotic factors) can affect its opportunities for food, shelter, and reproduction.
The ecosystem is a broader concept where interconnected organisms and their physical environment form a dynamic system. This includes various biotic and abiotic components and processes such as respiration and photosynthesis, which influence one another.
Beyond the individual organism, ecology as a field studies these interactions at different levels of organization including populations, communities, ecosystems, biomes, and ultimately, the biosphere—which encompasses every region of Earth where life exists.