Ecosystems Flashcards
Define ‘Ecosystem’
An ecosystem is the organisms in an area and non-living components in which the organisms interact with
Define ‘Biodiversity’
The number and abundance of different species present in an ecosystem
Define ‘Species’
Group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring
Define ‘Population’
Group of organisms of the same species
How do producers make their food?
They use energy from an abiotic source
How do consumers get energy?
They get food from a biotic source by eating producers or other consumers
What does a ‘Food Chain’ show?
Shows the flow of energy between organisms
What do the arrows in a food chain show?
The direction of energy flow
Define ‘Community’
All of the organisms in an ecosystem (of all species)
Define ‘Food Web’
Shows the energy flow through interconnected food chains in an ecosystem
What is a niche?
- The role an organism plays within a community
- Description of 3 factors: abiotic factors, resources it uses, interactions with other organisms
What is competition?
Competition occurs when resources are in short supply
What is ’Intraspecific competition’?
Competition between members of the same species
- More intense as individuals of the same species will be competing for all of the same resources
What is ‘Interspecific competition’?
Competition between individuals of different species
