Leaving Cert Biology (Higher Level) - Ecology and Ecosystems

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to ecology and ecosystems, helping students revise important terms and their definitions.

Ecology

The study of the relationship organisms have with their environment.

Ecosystem

Organisms and their relationship with their environment.

Biosphere

All the parts of the earth where life exists.

Habitat

The place where an organism lives.

Community

All the organisms in an area (habitat/ecosystem).

Population

All the organisms of the same species living in an area.

Fauna

All animals living in an area.

Flora

All plants living in an area.

Abiotic factors

Non-living factors such as climate, light, temperature, etc.

Biotic factors

Living factors such as the other organisms in their environment.

Food chain

a feeding relationship between plants, animals and microorganisms

Herbivore

An organism that eats only plants.

Carnivore

An organism that eats only animals.

Omnivore

An organism that eats plants and animals.

Decomposer

An organism that feeds on dead matter.

Trophic levels

The feeding level of an organism or its position in a food chain.

Symbiosis

A close relationship between two different species where at least one benefits.

Mutualism

A type of symbiosis where both organisms benefit from the relationship.

Parasitism

A relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another organism (the host).

Competition

The struggle between organisms for a limited resource.

Pollution

A harmful addition to the environment.

Nutrient recycling

The process by which elements are continuously being broken down and/or exchanged between living and non-living components of an ecosystem for reuse.

Nitrogen fixation

Conversion of nitrogen gas into ammonia by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Predation

The act of catching, killing, and eating another organism.

Population dynamics

The study of changes in populations and the factors that cause these changes.

Conservation

The protection and management of the environment to maintain biodiversity and prevent extinction.