In addition to organisms, what can be classified as a part of an ecosystem?

An ecosystem consists of both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components that interact with one another. Abiotic factors include physical elements such as sunlight, water, temperature, soil, and air. These factors significantly influence the living organisms within an ecosystem by affecting their survival, growth, reproduction, and ultimately, their distribution. For example, the availability of water can determine the types of plants that grow in a particular area, which in turn affects the animals that can inhabit that region.

While biotic factors (such as plants and animals) are indeed a critical part of ecosystems, the question specifically asks for elements that can be classified as a part of an ecosystem beyond just organisms. Although community diversity and population density also relate to the structure of ecosystems, they do not encapsulate the non-living aspects that abiotic factors represent. Understanding the role of abiotic factors is essential for comprehending the dynamics and health of ecosystems.