IGCSE Biology glossary
Ecosystem
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
A unit containing the community of organisms and their environment, interacting together. For example, a decomposing log, a pond, or a rainforest.
What to include in an exam answer
Definitions of population, community and ecosystem are tested as a ladder. Each builds on the last. Learn all three together: population (one species), community (all populations), ecosystem (community + environment).
Example in context
Defining the term: 'A pond is an ecosystem because it contains the community of organisms together with the non-living environment they interact with.'
Related syllabus topic
Organisms & their environment