7- populations definitions Flashcards
define population
a group of individuals of the same species in the same habitat at the same time and can potentially interbreed
define ecology
the study of interrelationships between organisms and their environments
define abiotic factors
non-living factors that affect growth
e.g temp, rain, light
define biotic factors
living factors that affect growth
e.g predation, disease
define ecosystem
dynamic systems made up of a community and all the abiotic factors of its environment
define community
populations of different species that live in 1 area and interact with each other
define carrying capacity
the size of a population of a species that an ecosystem can support
define habitat
the place where an organism lives
define microhabitat
smaller units within habitats with their own microclimates
define niche
where an organism lives and what it does there.
includes abiotic and biotic factors to which an organism is adapted in order to survive.
what is the competitive exclusion principle
no 2 species occupy exactly the same niche
population size
the number of individuals in a population
intraspecific competition
competition between members of the SAME species
interspecific competition
competition between members of DIFFERENT species
predator
an organism that feeds on another organism known as their prey
abundance
the number of individuals of a species within a given area
succession
the changes in the species that occupy an area over time
pioneer species
suited to harsh abiotic conditions that suit them to colonisation
climax community
final stage of succession where many species flourish and there is high biodiversity
conservation
management and protection of earth’s resources so maximum use can be made of them in the future.
