What is the Difference Between Ecosystem and Community?

The main difference between an ecosystem and a community lies in the components they include. Here are the key differences:

• Ecosystem: An ecosystem is made up of all the living organisms (biotic factors) and non-living environmental factors (abiotic factors) that interact within a given area. It includes various living organisms, along with the abiotic factors they interact with. Examples of abiotic factors in an ecosystem include temperature, water, and landscape features.
• Community: A community is a group of different species (biotic factors) living in the same area, interacting with each other. It only includes living organisms and their interactions, and does not factor in abiotic factors.

In summary:

• An ecosystem encompasses both biotic and abiotic factors, whereas a community only includes biotic factors.
• An ecosystem takes all interactions into account, while a community focuses on the interactions between living organisms.
• A community is a part of an ecosystem, with the ecosystem being a larger level that includes several communities and their interactions with abiotic factors.

Comparative Table: Ecosystem vs Community

Here is a table comparing the differences between an ecosystem and a community:

In summary, an ecosystem is a larger and more inclusive concept that encompasses several communities, along with their biotic and abiotic components. In contrast, a community is a group of living organisms that interact with each other and is a smaller, more focused component within an ecosystem.