Species and Populations 2.1 Flashcards
Species
A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce viable offspring
Habitat
Physical place where a particular population lives, made up of the sum of all the abiotic favorites to which a species is exposed
Population
All the individuals from one species, within a defined area
Community
All the interacting populations within one habitat
Ecosystem
A community of interdependent organisms and the physical environment they inhabit
Biotic factors
Living components of an ecosystem: Organisms Competition Parasitism Seed dispersal Waste produced
Abiotic factors
Non-living components of an ecosystem: Atmosphere Climate Sunlight Rainfall Temperature Soil Nutrients pH Water Seasons
Niche
When many organisms occupy the same space they compete for resources, niche is the organism’s way of living
Fundamental niche
Describes the full range of conditions and resources in which a species could survive and reproduce
Realized niche
Describes the actual conditions and resources in which a species exists due to biotic interactions
Interspecific competition
Occurs when two organisms of different species compete for the same resource in an ecosystem
Intraspecific competition
Occurs when two organisms of the same species compete for the same resource in an ecosystem
Competitive exclusion principle
Two competing life forms attempt to occupy the same niche, one life form drives out the other
Symbiosis
Close association between two or more different species or organisms
Parasitism
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
Parasite lives in/on host
Mutualism
Relationship where both organisms benefit
Commensalism
Relationship where one organisms benefits and the other is unaffected
Ecology
The study of how organisms interact with one another and with their physical and chemical environments
Ammensalism
One species is harmed and another is not affected
Neutralism
Two organisms do not affect each other
Respiration
The conversion of organic matter into carbon dioxide and water in all living organisms, releasing energy
Photosynthesis
The process by which green plants make their own food from water and carbon dioxide using energy from sunlight
