What term describes a community of organisms along with their physical environment?

The term that describes a community of organisms along with their physical environment is "ecosystem." An ecosystem encompasses not only the living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) that interact with one another but also the non-living components of their environment, such as air, water, soil, and climate. This integration highlights the dynamic interdependence between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.

Understanding ecosystems is fundamental in biology because it provides insight into how various organisms interact with each other and their environment, influencing processes such as energy flow and nutrient cycling. This concept lays the foundation for studying ecological relationships and environmental impacts.

In contrast, a biome refers to a larger ecological area characterized by specific climate conditions and ecosystems, while a habitat is the specific environment in which a particular species or population lives. A biotic community is often used to refer specifically to the living organisms within an ecosystem but does not encompass the physical environment. This distinction clarifies why the concept of an ecosystem most accurately represents the interaction of communities with their habitat.