2.1 - Ecosystems Flashcards
Organism
Living things
Species
A group of living organisms
Capable of interbreeding with each other but not with other species
Population
A group of the same species living in the same area at a particular time
Community
more than one population living in the same area at a particular time
Ecosystem
communities of organisms that interact with each other and their environment
Ecology
The study of ecosystems
Producers (autotroph)
organism at the base of the food chain that does not need to feed on other organisms, “self-feeders”
Decomposers
organisms that break down organic matter into inorganic materials
Photosynthesis
the food-making process in plants (producers) that takes place in within cells.
The process uses carbon dioxide, water and energy from the sun.
Autotrophs
Self feeders, another name for producers
Consumer (heterotrophs)
organism that relies on other organisms for its food, “other feeders”
Heterotrophs
Another name for consumer, other feeders
Primary consumers
the first consumer in a food chain; also known as a first-order consumer
Eg. Herbivores
