What is the interaction of living and nonliving things called?

The interaction of living and nonliving things is referred to as an ecosystem. An ecosystem encompasses all the biotic (living) components such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, along with the abiotic (nonliving) components like air, water, soil, and sunlight in a particular environment. These components interact with each other in various ways, such as through food chains, nutrient cycles, and energy flow, creating a complex network of relationships that sustain life.

In contrast, a community refers specifically to the group of various species living together in a defined area, but it does not include the nonliving elements of the environment. A habitat describes the specific environment in which an organism lives, including the physical and biological resources available, but again, it does not encapsulate the full interaction with both living and nonliving factors. A population is defined as the group of individuals of the same species that live in the same area, so it too does not cover the broader interactions between living and nonliving participants.

Understanding ecosystems is crucial for studying ecology and environmental science, as it allows us to grasp how various species depend on each other and the physical environment for survival.