Ecosystem

An ecosystem is made up of all the living species that share a habitat, ranging from plants and animals to microscopic organisms. Everything in an ecosystem plays a critical role. Almost everything.

The word ecosystem was coined in 1935, yet ecosystems have existed for as long as there have been living creatures. The term eco is derived from the word ecology and refers to everything related to the environment and our relationship with it. You've undoubtedly heard terms like eco-friendly and eco-warrior. And the system is derived from the Greek word systema, which means "organized body, whole."