Community Structures & Parameters Flashcards
What are the living organisms in an environment referred to?
The living organisms in an environment are called the biotic factors, for example plants and animals
What are the non-living factors in an environment called
The non-living factors are called the abiotic factors, for example air, light, water, soil, and temperature.
What factors do individuals within a community compete for?
Individuals within a community compete for abiotic factors, food, shelter, and space.
What is biomass?
How is it determined?
Biomass is the size and density of a population expressed in numbers
No of organisms x average mass of individuals in population
What is an individual?
An individual is a single organism distinguished from a group with many similar characteristics.
A species is a group of organisms that:
- shares many similar characteristics
- can inter-breed
- produce viable fertile offspring.
What are the characteristics of a population?
A population consists of organisms of the same species living in the same habitat, capable of random inter-breeding.
What are 3 aspects of a community?
A community comprises of:
- different populations living together, interacting in the same habitat
- depending on each other
- competing for food, and sharing resources.
What is a population?
A population consists of:
- organisms of the same species
- living in the same habitat
- capable of random inter-breeding.
Define population ecology:
All populations in a community make up the basic components and interact with the abiotic factors in a habitat
Aspects of constant change in population ecology?
- changes in population sizes
- external/ environmental factors influencing these changes
- rates of increase or decrease
- the processes that regulate the population to keep it stable or constant.
