Final answer:
An ecosystem ecologist determines the ecosystem boundaries primarily by studying the movement of energy and nutrients, reflecting interdependencies within the ecosystem. They also consider abiotic limiting factors such as temperature, water, and inorganic nutrients.
Step-by-step explanation:
An ecosystem ecologist would figure out the location of the boundaries of the system that he or she is studying through a combination of methods, with the main focus being the study of the movement of energy and nutrients. Ecologists often observe the flow of substances and organisms within and across an area to determine the functional boundaries of an ecosystem. The study of ecosystem dynamics includes both controlled experiments and observations in the natural environment to understand how changes in the environment or internal factors influence the structure of ecosystems. While satellite imagery might help with physical layouts, and genetic diversity could provide insights into the biotic components, it is the examination of the movement of energy and nutrients that defines the operational borders of an ecosystem since these movements reflect the interdependence of the biotic and abiotic components. Additionally, understanding the relationship between the biotic community and the limiting factors such as temperature, water, and inorganic nutrients can also provide valuable information about the boundaries of terrestrial and aquatic biomes.