生態系

• Reading: せいたいけい
• Romaji: seitaikei
• Kanji breakdown: 生 (sei) — life; 態 (tai) — condition, form; 系 (kei) — system, lineage
• Pronunciation: /seː.tai.keː/

Meaning

Ecosystem. A biological community of organisms and their physical environment functioning as a unit.

A noun used in ecology and environmental science for the interconnected system of living organisms and their surroundings. Frequently appears in environmental discussions, conservation efforts, and climate change debates. Common collocations include 生態系を守る (seitaikei wo mamoru, protect the ecosystem), 生態系のバランス (seitaikei no baransu, ecological balance), and 海洋生態系 (kaiyou seitaikei, marine ecosystem).

Examples

1. 森林の生態系は多くの生物によって成り立っている。 The forest ecosystem is sustained by many living organisms.
2. 外来種の侵入は生態系に深刻な影響を与える。 The invasion of non-native species has a serious impact on the ecosystem.
3. サンゴ礁の生態系が温暖化によって脅かされている。 The coral reef ecosystem is being threatened by global warming.

Usage Guide

Context: environment, biology, conservation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 生態 (seitai, ecology/mode of life) + 系 (kei, system). Coined as a translation of the English 'ecosystem.' 生態 itself combines 生 (sei, life) and 態 (tai, condition/form).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal