Why do ecologists consider both individuals and ecosystems to be ecological systems?

Ecologists consider both individuals and ecosystems to be ecological systems because both represent levels of organization within the broader context of ecology. Individuals, such as a single organism, interact with their environment and other species, influencing population dynamics and species interactions. Ecosystems, on the other hand, encompass communities of organisms and their physical environment, highlighting the complex interdependencies and energy flows within the system. Together, these levels of organization help ecologists understand the relationships and processes that sustain life on Earth.