Chapter 5.1 - Ecosystems

Question 1

Organism

Answer 1

living thing

Question 2

species

Answer 2

group of living organisms capable of interbreeding with each other but not with members of other species

Question 3

population

Answer 3

group of individuals of the same species living in the same area at a particular time

Question 4

community

Answer 4

more than one population living in the same area at a particular time

Question 5

ecosystem

Answer 5

communities of organisms that interact with each other and their environment

Question 6

ecology

Answer 6

the study of ecosystems

Question 7

producers

Answer 7

organism at the base of the food chain that does not need to feed on other organisms; also known as an autotroph

Question 8

decomposers

Answer 8

organisms that break down organic matter into inorganic materials

Question 9

photosynthesis

Answer 9

the food-making process in plants that takes place in chloroplasts within cells. The process uses carbon dioxide, water and energy from the sun.

Question 10

consumers

Answer 10

organism that relies on other organisms for its food; also known as a heterotroph

Question 11

Herbivores

Answer 11

animal that eats only plants

Question 12

primary consumers

Answer 12

the first consumer in a food chain; also known as a first-order consumer

Question 13

Carnivores

Answer 13

an animal that eats other animals

Question 14

omnivores

Answer 14

animal that eats plants and other animals

Question 15

detritivores

Answer 15

animal that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter

Question 16

ecological niche

Answer 16

the position of a species or population in its ecosystem in relation to each other

Question 17

competition

Answer 17

the struggle among organisms for food, territory and other factors

Question 18

parasitism

Answer 18

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

Question 19

mutualism

Answer 19

relationship between two different organisms in which both benefit

Question 20

commensalism

Answer 20

relationship between organisms where one benefits and the other is unaffected

Question 21

interspecific competition

Answer 21

competition between organisms of the same species

Question 22

intraspecific competition

Answer 22

competition between organisms of different species

Question 23

predator–prey relationship

Answer 23

relationship between organisms in which one species (the predator) kills and eats another species (the prey)

Question 24

Symbiotic relationships

Answer 24

very close relationship between two organisms of different species. It may benefit or harm one of the partners.