What are the two components that make up an ecosystem?

Biotic and abiotic

(a) Plants and animals: Plants and animals are indeed key components of ecosystems. Plants, also known as producers or autotrophs, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, while animals, known as consumers or heterotrophs, obtain energy by consuming other organisms. Both plants and animals play vital roles in the flow of energy and nutrient cycling within an ecosystem.

(b) Weeds, trees, animals, and humans: While this option includes various elements found in ecosystems, it does not capture the two fundamental components of an ecosystem. Weeds, trees, animals, and humans can be part of an ecosystem, but they fall under the broader categories of plants and animals mentioned in option (a).

(c) Energy flow and mineral cycling: This option correctly identifies two essential processes within an ecosystem. Energy flow refers to the transfer and transformation of energy within an ecosystem, from producers to consumers, through various trophic levels. Mineral cycling, also known as nutrient cycling, involves the movement and recycling of essential minerals and nutrients within an ecosystem, ensuring their availability for plants and other organisms.

(d) Biotic and abiotic: This option accurately represents the two fundamental components of an ecosystem. Biotic components refer to the living organisms within an ecosystem, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and fungi. Abiotic components encompass the non-living factors, such as temperature, sunlight, water, soil, air, and other physical and chemical factors that influence the ecosystem and its organisms.

In summary, the correct answer is:

(d) Biotic and abiotic components, as they represent the living and non-living elements that make up an ecosystem.