Interactions and Interdependencies Flashcards
Ecology
Ecology: the study of interactions of organisms with one another and with the physical and chemical environment in which they are found.
Ecologicol interactions
Biosphere
All the ecosystems together.
Ecosystems
An area where living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors are found and are interdependent on each other. e.g Kruger National Park, Kgalagadi, Bontanical gardens and Gariep dam.
Communities
All living things in one habitat.
Population
A group of individuals of the same species within a community.
Interdependencies in ecosystems
Organisms depend on other biotic (living) organisms and abiotic (non-living) factors of their habitat.
These dependencies result in certain relationships, better known as symbiosis.
Mutualism
Both parties benefit.
Commensalism
One party benefits while the other party neither benefits nor is disadvantaged.
Parasitism
One party benefits while the other party is disadvantaged.