Ecosystem Set

biodiversity

the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of different species and the genetic diversity within those species

biome

a large geographical biotic community defined by its unique climate, soil, and vegetation

population

a group of individuals of the SAME species living in a specific area

community

a group of DIFFERNT species that interact and live together in a particular area

ecosystem

a biological community and its physical environment interacting as a system that includes both biotic and abiotic components

organism

any individual living thing that can react to stimuli, reproduce, grow, and maintain homeostasis

abiotic factors

the non-living components of an ecosystem

biotic factors

the living components of an ecosystem

primary ecologic succession

the process by which ecosystems develop in an area that was previously uninhabited, involving species colonization and community establishment

secondary ecological succession

the process by which ecosystems recover after a disturbance in an area that was previously inhabited, leading to re-establishment of communities

pioneer organisms

species that first colonize barren environments during the early stages of ecological succession

habitat

the natural environment where an organism lives, providing necessary resources such as food, shelter, and mates

herbivore

an animal that primarily feeds on plants and vegetation, playing a crucial role in energy transfer within ecosystems

carnivore

an animal that primarily feeds on other animals

omnivore

an animal that consumes both plants and animals

primary consumer

an organism that feeds on primary producers (plants and vegetation) in an ecosystem, serving as a key component in the food chain

secondary consumer

an organism that feeds on primary consumers, typically carnivorous or omnivorous in nature, playing a critical role in the food chain.

decomposers

organisms that break down dead or decaying organic matter, returning essential nutrients to the soil and playing a vital role in ecosystem stability

niche

the role and position a species has in its environment, including its interactions with other organisms and its habitat

climax community

a stable and mature ecosystem that has reached a point of BALANCE, where species composition remains relatively unchanged over time

introduced species

species that are not native to a particular ecosystem and have been intentionally or accidentally brought there by humans

native species

species that naturally occur in a specific ecosystem without human intervention

invasive species

species that spread aggressively in a new environment, often harming native species and disrupting ecosystems

pollution

the introduction of harmful substances into the environment, leading to degradation of air, water, and soil quality

wetlands

areas where water covers the soil, either permanently or seasonally, supporting diverse ecosystems