Ecology Definitions

Question 1

Biosphere

Answer 1

Part of the planet Earth where life occurs, including land, sea and air.

Question 2

Ecosystem

Answer 2

A reasonably self-contained area together with all its living organisms, e.g oak forest, deep sea.

Question 3

Biome

Answer 3

Region of the world with a particular climate, animals and plants.

Question 4

Habitat

Answer 4

Physical or abiotic part of an ecosystem, i.e. a defined area with specific characteristics where the organisms live. Most ecosystems have several habitats.

Question 5

Microhabitat

Answer 5

A localised specific habitat within a larger habitat,e.g. under a rotting log, in a rock pool, etc.

Question 6

Terrestrial

Answer 6

Ecosystem on dry land

Question 7

Aquatic

Answer 7

Ecosystem in water

Question 8

Marine

Answer 8

Ecosystem in the sea

Question 9

Community

Answer 9

Living or biotic part of an ecosystem, i.e. all the organisms of all the different species living in 1 habitat.

Question 10

Biotic

Answer 10

Living or biological factor.

Question 11

Abiotic

Answer 11

Non-living or physical factor

Question 12

Population

Answer 12

Members of the same species living in one habitat.

Question 13

Species

Answer 13

A group of organisms that can breed together to produce fertile offspring which all have their own niche.