Ecosystem: GCSE Biology Definition

What is an ecosystem?

In GCSE biology, an ecosystem is a system where a community of living organisms (biotic factors), such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, interact with the non-living (abiotic) parts of their environment, including temperature, light, water, and soil.

We can investigate the relationship between organisms and their environment using fieldwork techniques such as quadrats and belt transects.

Key Points:

• Ecosystems include different levels of organisation, from individual organisms to populations (groups of the same species), communities (groups of different species), and the entire ecosystem.

• Species in an ecosystem are interdependent because they rely on each other for food, shelter, pollination, and seed dispersal. This ensures the stability of a community.

• Competition occurs between organisms for resources like light, space, water, food, breeding partners and territory.

• Materials, such as carbon, nitrogen and water, are recycled within ecosystems through processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition.

Examples of ecosystems might include:

• A pond ecosystem, where plants, fish and microorganisms interact with water and sunlight.

• A forest ecosystem, where trees, animals and soil interact to support life.

Ecosystem revision resources to ace your exams

You can learn more about ecosystems in our GCSE biology revision note pages:

• Levels of Organisation in an Ecosystem (AQA GCSE Biology)

• Investigating ecosystems (AQA GCSE Biology)

• Key Terms in Ecology (Edexcel GCSE Biology)

• Key Terms in Ecology (OCR Gateway GCSE Biology)

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GCSE Biology Revision Resources