Ecology and the Impact of Abiotic Factors on Living Organisms

A set of flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on ecology, abiotic and biotic factors, and their impact on ecosystems.

Ecology

The study of living organisms in their environment.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living environmental factors that influence ecosystems, such as temperature, water, and light.

Biotic Factors

Living components of an environment that affect organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Ecosystem

A life sustaining system of organisms interacting with each other and their environment.

Habitat

The area in which an organism lives, such as a pond or rocky shore.

Niche

The role an organism plays within its ecosystem, including its job and interactions with other organisms.

Population

A group of organisms of the same species living in a particular habitat.

Community

All populations of different species found living in a particular habitat.

Species

A group of individuals that resemble each other and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

Distribution of Species

The arrangement of species across different habitats, influenced by abiotic and biotic factors.

Effects of Water on Distribution

The influence of water availability on where species can live, such as in freshwater or saltwater environments.

Effects of Light on Distribution

How light availability affects the behavior and growth of organisms, particularly plants.

Effects of Temperature on Distribution

The impact of temperature on living organisms, including the adaptations needed to survive in various temperatures.

Effect of Heavy Metals on Distribution

The toxicity of heavy metals like mercury and lead at high concentrations, affecting plant and animal life.

Effect of Soil on Distribution

How different soil types influence the distribution of plant and animal species.