Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2015 · Environment · Question 84

Which one of the following is the best description of the term 'ecosystem'?

  1. A community of organisms interacting with one another
  2. That part of the Earth which is inhabited by living organisms
  3. A community of organisms together with the environment in which they live
  4. The flora and fauna of a geographical area

Answer

A community of organisms together with the environment in which they live

  • (a) A community of organisms interacting with one another describes a biotic community only; it excludes the abiotic environment. Verdict: Incorrect.
  • (b) The part of Earth inhabited by living organisms is the biosphere, not an ecosystem. Verdict: Incorrect.
  • (c) An ecosystem includes living organisms plus their physical environment and the interactions between them. Verdict: Correct.
  • (d) Flora and fauna of an area refer only to plants and animals, not the full system including abiotic factors. Verdict: Incorrect.
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