A functional aspect of an ecosystem is

Answer: An ecosystem is the basic working unit of nature that includes both living things (like plants and animals) and non-living things (like air, water, and soil) that interact with each other. The smooth and balanced working of an ecosystem depends on its functions. These functions are natural processes, such as the flow of energy and the exchange of materials among plants and animals in different environments or biomes.

Complete Answer:

An ecosystem has four main functional aspects that help it run and stay balanced. These include biogeochemical cycles, energy flow, nutrient cycling, and other natural processes. Some other important functions are ecological succession, ecological pyramids, food chains, and food webs.

Option A talks about producers, consumers, and the abiotic environment. These are not functional aspects, but components of the ecosystem. They make up the structure of the ecosystem. When these components interact with each other, they help the ecosystem function. However, on their own, they are parts of the system, not the functions that keep it working.

Option B refers to the regulation of populations, which is an important functional aspect of an ecosystem. In nature, ecosystems control the size and growth of populations through balanced interactions in various food chains. Many natural factors, such as the availability of food, the presence of predators, competition, and environmental conditions, help in keeping the population levels in check. This regulation is necessary for the smooth and stable functioning of the ecosystem.

Option C includes light, temperature, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, which are part of the abiotic or physical components of an ecosystem. These are important for life, but are not considered functional aspects. They are elements that support life, not the processes that run the ecosystem.

Option D, which says both A and C, is also not correct. As explained earlier, both Option A (producers, consumers, abiotic environment) and Option C list the components of an ecosystem, not its functions. Since functional aspects refer to processes like energy flow, nutrient cycling, and population regulation, Option D cannot be the right answer.

Conclusion: Hence, the correct answer is Option B: Regulation of populations.

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