Ecosystem vs. Biosphere — What's the Difference?

An ecosystem (or ecological system) consists of all the organisms and the physical environment with which they interact. These biotic and abiotic components are linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows.

The biosphere (from Greek βίος bíos "life" and σφαῖρα sphaira "sphere"), also known as the ecosphere (from Greek οἶκος oîkos "environment" and σφαῖρα), is the worldwide sum of all ecosystems. It can also be termed the zone of life on Earth.

An ecological community together with its environment, functioning as a unit.

The part of the earth and its atmosphere in which living organisms exist or that is capable of supporting life.

A system formed by an ecological community and its environment that functions as a unit.

The living organisms and their environment composing the biosphere.

The interconnectedness of organisms (plants, animals, microbes) with each other and their environment.

The part of the Earth and its atmosphere capable of supporting life.

(by extension) A network of interconnected people or organisations that resembles a natural ecosystem due to the complex interdependencies.

The totality of living organisms and their environment.

A system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment

The regions of the surface and atmosphere of the Earth (or other planet) where living organisms exist