What is included in a biological ecosystem?

The correct answer highlights that a biological ecosystem encompasses the biological community, which consists of various living organisms, and its nonliving environment, such as water, soil, and air. This integrative viewpoint recognizes that the interactions between organisms, including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi, are influenced by the physical surroundings they inhabit.

Understanding ecosystems requires one to acknowledge both biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) factors, as they interact to form a complex web of relationships. For instance, plants rely on soil nutrients and water to grow, and in return provide oxygen and food to animals. This reciprocal connection is crucial for maintaining the balance and health of an ecosystem.

In contrast, the other options provide a limited view of what constitutes a biological ecosystem, either focusing solely on living organisms, excluding essential environmental factors, or narrowing the scope to specific elements, such as climate, without considering broader interactions. This offers a clearer picture of the holistic nature of ecosystems in the study of biology and ecology.