Crossword Genius

English company fixed order for a biological niche (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ecosystem

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a biological niche' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'english company fixed order' is the wordplay.
'english' becomes 'E' (abbreviation).
'company' becomes 'co' (abbreviation).
'fixed order' becomes 'system' (I've seen this in another clue. I am not sure about the 'fixed' bit.).
'e'+'co'+'system'='ECOSYSTEM'

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ecosystem that I've seen before include "The interaction of a group of organisms with their physical environment" , "orderly collection of organisms" , "Community of organisms and their environment" , "integrated community" , "Biological community with its environment" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.