ecology Flashcards
ecology
the study of the interrelationships between organisms and their physical surroudings
biosphere
the zone of the planet earth where life naturally occurs including land, water, and air, extending from the deep crust to the lower atmosphere
biome
a major life zone of interrelated species bound together by similar climate, vegetation, and animal life
ecosystem
a system made up of a community of animals, plants, and other organisms as well as abiotic (non-living) aspects of its environment
community
the collection of all ecologically connected species in an area
population
a group of organisms of the same species living in the same region
producers
(mainly plant life) they make their own food via photosynthesis - also known as autotrophs
decomposers
(bacteria and fungi) they break down organic matter and release minerals back into the soil - also known as saprotrophs
scavengers
(many insects and certain vertebrates like vultures and jacklals) these animals have characteristics of decomposers by consuming refuse and decaying organic matter especially carrion - aka flesh
detrivores
consume the small pieces of decaying organic matter -called detritus that are too small for scavengers to eat
consumers
(most animals) aka hetertrophs, animals that consume other organisms to survive
how many types of consumers are there?
3
primary consumers
aka herbivores, they subsist on producers such as plants. ex: grasshoppers, deer, cow and, rabbits,
secondary consumers
aka carnivores, or predators, they subsist on mainly primary consumers. ex: chickens, rats, some lizards, and sea otters
tertiary consumers
aka top carnivores, they’re capable of eating secondary consumers. many are also omnivores. ex: lions, wolves, sharks, and humans
