Ecosystems and Adaptations

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to ecosystems, interdependence, and adaptations.

Ecosystem

A system made up of living organisms (biotic factors) and non-living components (abiotic factors) that interact in a particular area.

Biotic Factors

The living organisms within an ecosystem.

Abiotic Factors

The non-living components of an ecosystem.

Individual Organism

A single living thing.

Population

A group of organisms of the same species living in the same area.

Community

All the different species living in an area.

Ecosystem

The community plus the abiotic factors.

Interdependence

The relationship between species, where they rely on each other for things like food, shelter, and dispersal.

Stable Community

A community where all species and environmental factors are balanced, and population sizes remain fairly constant.

Competition (Plants)

Plants compete for light, space, water, and mineral ions from the soil.

Competition (Animals)

Animals compete for food, mates, and territory.

Adaptations

Features that allow organisms to win competition, such as large leaves to absorb more sunlight or specialized teeth for catching prey.