What encompasses both biotic and abiotic aspects of a habitat?

An ecosystem is defined as a complex of living organisms (biotic components) interacting with each other and their physical environment (abiotic components) in a particular area. It includes all communities of living organisms in a given area, along with their interactions, and incorporates the non-living physical factors such as water, soil, climate, and nutrients that influence the community. This holistic view allows for the understanding of how energy flows and materials cycle through living and non-living elements in a given environment.

In contrast, a community refers specifically to the groups of different species living and interacting in the same location, without accounting for the abiotic factors. A biome is a broader classification that encompasses large areas characterized by specific climates and ecosystems, but it does not focus on the interactions between biotic and abiotic components at a local level. A population, on the other hand, signifies a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area, also lacking consideration for the abiotic aspects. Thus, the encompassing nature of an ecosystem, which integrates both biotic and abiotic elements, makes it the correct answer.