Topic 4.1: Species, Communities, and Ecosystems Flashcards
Define species
A species is a group of organisms that can potentially interbreed to produce fertile, viable offspring
Define population
A population is a group of organisms of the same species that are living in the same area at the same time
Define community
A group of populations living together and interacting with each other within a given area
Define habitat
The environment in which a species normally lives, or the location of a living organism
Define ecosystem
A community and its abiotic environment (i.e. habitat)
Define ecology
The study of the relationship between living organisms, or between living organisms and their environment
Define autotrophs
Autotrophs produce their own organic molecules using either light energy or energy derived from the oxidation of chemicals
Define heterotrophs
Heterotrophs obtain organic molecules from other organisms
Define consumers
Consumers ingest organic molecules from living or recently killed organisms
Define detritivores
Detritivores ingest organic molecules found in the non-living remnants of organisms (e.g. detritus, humus)
Define saprotrophs
Saprotrophs release digestive enzymes and then absorb the external products of digestion (decomposers)
Define herbivores
Herbivores are consumers that feed principally on plant matter (e.g. cows, sheep, rabbits)
Define carnivores
Carnivores are consumers that feed principally on animal matter (e.g. crocodiles, wolves, tigers)
Define omnivores
Omnivores are consumers that have a principle diet composed of both plant and animal matter (e.g. pandas, humans)
Define scavengers
Scavengers are a type of consumer that principally feed on dead and decaying carcasses rather than hunting live prey
