1. The fundamental unit in ecology, comprising the living organisms and the nonliving elements that interact in a defined region. 2. A biocenosis (biotic community) and its biotope. SYN: ecological system.
- parasite-host e. SYN: parasitocenose.
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eco·sys·tem -.sis-təm n the complex of a community and its environment functioning as an ecological unit in nature
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eco·sys·tem (eґko-sis″təm) [eco- + system] the fundamental unit in ecology, comprising the living organisms and the nonliving elements interacting in a certain defined area. Called also ecological system.Medical dictionary. 2011.