ecosystem

UK: ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm | US: ˈiːkoʊsɪstəm

Definition

  1. n. a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

  2. n. any complex network of interconnected systems (e.g., "digital ecosystem").

Structure
eco <environment, from Greek *oikos* (house)>system <organized whole, from Greek *systema*>
Etymology

The word ecosystem merges eco- (derived from Greek oikos, meaning "house" or "habitat") with system (from Greek systema, "combined whole"). Coined in 1935 by ecologist Arthur Tansley, it reflects the idea of organisms and their environment functioning as an integrated unit—like a "household" of nature. The term logically extends to modern contexts (e.g., tech ecosystems) by preserving the core idea of interdependence.

Examples

  1. The rainforest ecosystem thrives on biodiversity.

  2. Pollution threatens marine ecosystems worldwide.

  3. Apple’s ecosystem includes hardware, software, and services.

  4. Scientists study how climate change alters ecosystems.

  5. Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems sensitive to temperature shifts.