Which term describes a broad ecological unit consisting of living organisms and their physical environment?

Which term describes a broad ecological unit consisting of living organisms and their physical environment?

• A. Infiltration
• B. Riparian Zone
• C. Ecosystem
• D. Lotic Ecosystem

Answer: (C)

An ecosystem describes a broad ecological unit that includes both living organisms and the physical environment along with the interactions between them. It covers energy flow, nutrient cycling, and the surrounding air, water, soil, and climate that sustain life. The other terms refer to more specific concepts: infiltration is the process of water entering the soil; the riparian zone is the vegetation-rich area alongside a water body; and a lotic ecosystem is a flowing-water system like a river or stream. These are parts or types within ecosystems, but the broad unit that encompasses all of them is the ecosystem.

An ecosystem describes a broad ecological unit that includes both living organisms and the physical environment along with the interactions between them. It covers energy flow, nutrient cycling, and the surrounding air, water, soil, and climate that sustain life. The other terms refer to more specific concepts: infiltration is the process of water entering the soil; the riparian zone is the vegetation-rich area alongside a water body; and a lotic ecosystem is a flowing-water system like a river or stream. These are parts or types within ecosystems, but the broad unit that encompasses all of them is the ecosystem.