An ecosystem is a dynamic, interconnected network where living organisms and their environment function as a unified whole.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Biological community interacting with physical environment
- Involves energy flow and nutrient cycles
- Can also refer to interconnected business networks
使用模式：该词常作为主语或宾语出现，如“保护生态系统”或“生态系统受到破坏”。在描述环境科学时，它常与“脆弱”、“稳定”、“修复”等形容词搭配，用以评估自然环境的健康状况。
- 1常见语境：该词广泛应用于环境保护、气候变化讨论、可持续发展报告以及生物学教学中。随着科技的发展，它也被引申用于描述商业领域（如“商业生态系统”），指企业与市场环境、合作伙伴之间形成的相互依赖的经营网络。
- 1同义词辨析：与“生物群落”（Biotic community）不同，生态系统必须包含物理环境（非生物因素）；与“自然环境”（Natural environment）相比，生态系统更强调各要素之间的交互作用和能量流动过程。
Examples
我们需要保护脆弱的海洋生态系统。
everydayWe need to protect the fragile marine ecosystem.
该报告详细分析了当地森林生态系统的演变。
academicThe report detailed the evolution of the local forest ecosystem.
这个创业公司的生态系统正在快速壮大。
informalThe startup's ecosystem is growing rapidly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
维护生态平衡
maintain ecological balance
修复生态系统
restore the ecosystem
Often Confused With
A biological community refers only to the living organisms in an area, excluding the non-living physical environment.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This term is formal and commonly used in scientific, political, and business contexts. When used in business, it is a metaphorical extension of its biological meaning. Ensure the context is clear when using it outside of biology.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '生态系统' to refer to a single animal or plant, which is incorrect. It must refer to a system involving multiple interactions. Do not use it as a synonym for 'nature' in every context.
Tips
Use with verbs of maintenance
Pair '生态系统' with verbs like 保护 (protect), 修复 (restore), or 维持 (maintain) to sound more professional in environmental discussions.
Don't confuse with environment
Remember that '环境' is just the surroundings, whereas '生态系统' specifically emphasizes the interaction and functional relationships.
Ecological civilization in China
In modern Chinese policy, the term '生态文明' (Ecological Civilization) is heavily promoted, making '生态系统' a frequent keyword in government reports.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'oikos' (house/home) and 'systema' (organized whole). It was coined in 1935 by Arthur Tansley to describe the complex interaction between biotic and abiotic factors.
Cultural Context
In China, the concept of 'Ecological Civilization' has elevated the importance of 'ecosystems' in national development plans. It is now a standard term in both environmental protection and digital economy strategies.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Eco' (home) + 'System' (connected parts). It is the 'home system' where everything is linked.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions生态系统是一个具体的交互单元，大小可变，而生物圈是指地球上所有生态系统的总和，是全球性的生命支持系统。简单来说，生态系统是局部，生物圈是整体。
因为系统内的各个物种和环境要素紧密相连，一旦某个关键环节（如顶级捕食者）消失，可能会导致整个能量流动链条断裂，从而引发连锁反应。
商业生态系统借用了生物学的概念，指企业、供应商、客户和监管机构形成的利益共同体，强调各方通过资源共享实现共赢。
Test Yourself
人类活动对全球___造成了巨大的压力。
在讨论人类活动对自然界的综合影响时，使用‘生态系统’最能体现交互性和整体性。
Score: /1
Summary
An ecosystem is a dynamic, interconnected network where living organisms and their environment function as a unified whole.
- Biological community interacting with physical environment
- Involves energy flow and nutrient cycles
- Can also refer to interconnected business networks
Use with verbs of maintenance
Pair '生态系统' with verbs like 保护 (protect), 修复 (restore), or 维持 (maintain) to sound more professional in environmental discussions.
Don't confuse with environment
Remember that '环境' is just the surroundings, whereas '生态系统' specifically emphasizes the interaction and functional relationships.
Ecological civilization in China
In modern Chinese policy, the term '生态文明' (Ecological Civilization) is heavily promoted, making '生态系统' a frequent keyword in government reports.
Examples
3 of 3我们需要保护脆弱的海洋生态系统。
We need to protect the fragile marine ecosystem.
该报告详细分析了当地森林生态系统的演变。
The report detailed the evolution of the local forest ecosystem.
这个创业公司的生态系统正在快速壮大。
The startup's ecosystem is growing rapidly.
Quick Quiz
过度捕捞会导致海洋______失衡。
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
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吸收
A1To absorb; to take in.
海拔
B1The height of an object or place above sea level.
属性
B1A quality or feature that is typical of or belongs to something or someone.
生物
B1Any living thing, or the study of living organisms. Basic term for IELTS biology-related reading passages.
模糊
A1Blurry; vague; indistinct.
呼吸
A1To breathe; respiration.
燃烧
A1To burn; combustion.
计算
A1To calculate; to compute; to determine a value mathematically.
推算
B1To calculate, estimate, or figure out something using data, logic, or mathematical methods. It implies a process of reasoning from known facts to unknown values.
校准
B1To calibrate, adjust, or check for accuracy against a standard. It is used for instruments, data, or plans.
