Ecological terminology Flashcards
What is Taxonomy
the science of grouping organisms according to the similarities in their features.
Any taxonomic group is called a taxon
Taxon
A group of organisms based on their biological similarities e.g. domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species.
What is the definition of Species
a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes and reproducing offspring.
Define Evolution
The process that changes the gene pool of a species.
What is a Habitat
An area or location where species or communities of species live.
What is an Ecological niche
(example)
the role a species plays in its habitat.
E.g - the way it uses environmental resources & its relationship to other species, such as pollination or seed dispersal.
What is the definition of Population
(example)
Includes all the individuals of a single species that live in a particular area.
E.g - all the English Oak trees in deciduous woodland
What is meant by a Community of species
Includes all the members of ALL the species that live in an area
What is an Ecosystem
A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
What is a biome
(example)
A large geographical region with specific climatic conditions within which a characteristic community lives.
E.g - tundra, grassland & tropical rainforest
What is the difference between a biome and an ecosystem
Biome refers to the total area where the community of species is found, whereas ecosystem refers to a particular community and its interactions. So, there are many tropical rainforest ecosystems but only one biome.
What is biomass
The total mass of living, or recently living material in an area.
