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Garden is an ecosystem because:
the living organisms in it interact with each other and are affected by abiotic components
the living organisms in it interact with each other and are not affected by abiotic components
it has both plants, trees and animals like insects, frogs, birds, etc., as biotic components
it has only biotic components like plants, trees and flowers
the living organisms in it interact with each other and are affected by abiotic components
A garden qualifies as an ecosystem because it is a self-sustaining or managed functional unit where living organisms (biotic components such as plants, insects, birds, and soil microorganisms) interact with each other and are continuously influenced by non-living (abiotic) components like sunlight, soil, water, and temperature.
A garden qualifies as an ecosystem because it is a self-sustaining or managed functional unit where living organisms (biotic components such as plants, insects, birds, and soil microorganisms) interact with each other and are continuously influenced by non-living (abiotic) components like sunlight, soil, water, and temperature.
In Indian competitive exams (UPSC, State PSCs, SSC), the foundational definition of an ecosystem is drawn from Arthur Tansley's 1935 concept, which emphasizes the inseparable reciprocal relationship between biotic communities and their physical environment.
An ecosystem consists of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components functioning together.
A garden is classified as an artificial or man-made ecosystem because it is created and maintained by humans.
Biotic factors include producers (plants), consumers (insects, birds), and decomposers (bacteria, fungi).
Abiotic factors such as sunlight, water, and minerals dictate which plant and animal species can survive in a garden.
Option B is incorrect because living organisms are profoundly affected by abiotic components like temperature and water availability.
Options C and D are incomplete because they ignore the essential role of abiotic factors in defining an ecosystem.
A is correct тАФ the living organisms in it interact with each other and are affected by abiotic components.
Distinguish carefully between natural ecosystems (forests, ponds, oceans) and man-made/artificial ecosystems (gardens, crop fields, aquariums) when answering environmental ecology questions in competitive exams.