5.1 Ecosystems Flashcards
Organism
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.
Ecology
The study of ecosystems.
Producers
Organism at the base of the food chain that does not need to feed on other organisms; also known as an autotroph.
Decomposer
Organisms that break down organic matter into inorganic materials.
Photosynthesis
Food making process in plants, by getting water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide.
Autotroph
Self-feeder
Heterotrophs
Other-feeders
Consumers
Organism that relies on other organisms for its food; also known as a heterotroph.
Herbivore
Eats only plants
Carnivore
Only eats meat
Omnivore
Eats both meat and plants
Primary consumers
The first consumer in a food chain; also known as a first-order consumer.
Detritivores
Animal that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter.
Ecological niche
The position of a species or population in its own 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.
Mutualism
Relationship between two different organisms in which both benefit.
Commensalism
Relationship between organisms where one benefits and the other is unaffected.
Inter specific competition
Competition between organisms of the same species.
Intraspecific competition
Competition between organisms of different species.
Predator-prey relationship
Relationship between organisms in which one species (the predator) kills and eats another species (the prey)
