5.1 Definitions Flashcards
Organism
A living thing.
Species
A group of living organisms capable of interbreeding with each other but not with members of other species.
Population
A group of individuals 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.
Producer
Organisms at the base of the food chain that doesn’t need to feed on other organisms also known as an autotroph.
Decomposers
Organisms that break down organic matter into inorganic materials
Photosynthesis
The food-making process in plants that takes place in chloroplasts within cells. The process uses carbon dioxide, water and energy from the sun.
Autotrophs
See producer.
heterotrophs
See consumer
Herbivores
Animal that only eats plants.
Consumer
Organism that relies on other organisms for its food; also known as a heterotroph.
Primary consumer
The first consumer in a food chain; also known as a first-order consumer.
Carnivores
An animal that eats other animals.
Omnivores
Animal that eats plants and other animals.
Detritivores
Animal that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter.
Ecological niche
The position of a species or population in its ecosystem in relation to each other.
Competition
The struggle among organisms for food, territory and other factors.
Parasitism
An interaction in which one species (the parasite) lives in or on another species (the host) from which it obtains food, shelter and other requirements.
Competition
The struggle among organisms for food, territory and other factors.
Commensalism
Relationship between organisms where one benefits and the other is unaffected.
Interspecific competition
Competition between organisms of the same species.
Intraspecific competition
Competition between organisms of different species.
