Ecology 1 - Populations and Niches

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring

Population

An interbreeding group of the same species in the same area

Community

When 2 or more species live together, or all the biotic factors in one geographical area

Ecosystems

Communities that interact with biotic and abiotic factors found in the environment

Biosphere

Zone of air, land and water on Earth in which organisms are found

Biodiversity

The variety of life on Earth in all of its forms

How is biodiversity measured?

1. Genetic

2. Species

3. Ecosystem

Genetic diversity

Variety within the gene pool within a species.

→ There is always variation in a population

→ Smaller/isolated populations have diversity issues

Species diversity

Variety of species living in a given area/community

→ Different species have various life processes (nutrition, structure, life cycle) that interact with other species in the ecosystem

Ecosystem diversity

Determined by the different environments found on Earth, the variety of different ecosystems found in a given area

→ Organisms have various geographical ranges and ecosystems