What term describes the mutual reliance among members of an ecosystem?

The term that describes the mutual reliance among members of an ecosystem is interdependence. In ecological contexts, interdependence refers to the relationships and connections between different organisms and species within a given environment. Each organism relies on others for survival, whether it's through food chains, pollination, habitat creation, or nutrient recycling. For instance, plants provide oxygen and food, which is essential for animals, while animals contribute to plant reproduction and nutrient cycling through their waste. This mutual reliance helps maintain the balance and stability of the ecosystem, highlighting the importance of each species and its role.

Other terms do not capture this concept as accurately. Independence implies a lack of reliance on others, which contradicts the interconnected nature of ecosystems. Symbiosis refers to a specific type of close relationship between two different organisms, but it is just one example of interdependence. Isolation suggests separation, which does not reflect the collaborative nature of interactions within ecosystems. Hence, interdependence is the most comprehensive and appropriate term to describe the mutual reliance among ecosystem members.