Question

25 multiple choice 2 points which description best defines an ecosystem? a population isolated from external influence a single species occupying one niche the living organisms and their physical surroundings functioning together as a system the global atmosphere and ocean currents

Explanation:

An ecosystem is defined as the interaction between living organisms (biotic factors) and their non - living physical surroundings (abiotic factors).

• Option 1: A population isolated from external influence is not an ecosystem. An ecosystem has interactions within and with the external environment.
• Option 2: A single species occupying one niche is just a part of an ecosystem, not the whole ecosystem.
• Option 3: This is the correct definition as it includes both biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (physical surroundings) components functioning together.
• Option 4: The global atmosphere and ocean currents are part of the Earth's larger systems but do not fully define an ecosystem which is more local and includes living organisms.

Answer:

The living organisms and their physical surroundings functioning together as a system.