19.1 - Populations & Ecosystems Flashcards
Defining key ecology terms Exploring how abiotic factors influence ecosystems
What is ecology?
Study of inter-relationships between organisms and environment
What is an ecosystem?
Community of organisms interacting with environment
What is a biotic factor?
Living component of an ecosystem
What is an abiotic factor?
Non-living component of an ecosystem
What is a population?
Organisms of same species living in one habitat
What is a community?
All species’ populations within an ecosystem
What is a habitat?
Physical location where an organism lives
What is a microhabitat?
Smaller habitat within a larger habitat
What is a niche?
Organism’s role in its ecosystem
What is competitive exclusion?
Two species cannot occupy same niche simultaneously
How does temperature influence ecosystems?
Affects enzyme activity and metabolic rates
How does light influence ecosystems?
Boosts photosynthesis
How does pH influence ecosystems?
Affects enzyme activity
How does water availability influence ecosystems?
Low water limits populations
