Final answer:
In an ecosystem, the balance and stability between biotic and abiotic factors is known as homeostasis. It is essential to the health and longevity of the ecosystem, allowing all species and factors to interact in harmony.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe the balance and stability maintained between living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors in an ecosystem is known as homeostasis. This equilibrium is crucial as it allows for the sustained functioning and support of life within an ecosystem.
An ecosystem comprises all the nonliving (abiotic) factors such as temperature, water, soil, and air, as well as living organisms (biotic) including plants, animals, fungi, and micro-organisms interacting within a habitat. These interactions can be complex and involve the exchange of nutrients and energy, with each species and abiotic factor playing a significant role in maintaining the ecosystem's overall health and stability. Therefore, the concept of homeostasis reflects the dynamic balance that an ecosystem maintains despite constant environmental changes.
For example, in a forest ecosystem, the trees (biotic factor) rely on sunlight (abiotic factor) for photosynthesis, while the decomposers (biotic factor) break down dead organic matter (abiotic factor) to release nutrients back into the soil.