British Columbia CORE Hunting Practice Exam

Which term describes a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment?

1. Ecosystem

2. Community

3. Niche

4. Biome

The correct answer is: Ecosystem

The term that describes a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment is "Ecosystem." An ecosystem encompasses all living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, interacting with each other as well as with their non-living environment, such as climate, soil, water, and air. This relationship forms a complex network where energy flows and nutrients cycle among the various components, highlighting the interdependence of life and the environment. The other terms do not fully capture this complete relationship. A "Community" refers specifically to the group of different species living in a shared environment, but it doesn't include the abiotic factors that constitute the ecosystem. A "Niche" describes the role or function of a species within its ecosystem, including how it obtains resources and interacts with other organisms, but again does not represent the complete system of interactions. A "Biome" is a larger geographical classification that includes various ecosystems sharing similar climate conditions and communities, but it is broader than the specific interactions within a defined ecosystem. Therefore, "Ecosystem" is the most precise and accurate term for this concept.