Fundamentals of Ecology and Ecological Organization

Vocabulary flashcards covering ecological levels of organization, ecosystem components, autotrophs/heterotrophs, decomposers, and the importance of ecology.

Organism (Individual)

A single living thing (such as a plant, animal, or microorganism like bacteria and fungi) that is capable of independent existence, functioning independently, and reproducing. It is the lowest level of organization in an ecosystem (e.g., one rice plant, one cow, one tree).

Population

A group of similar individuals, usually of a given species, occupying a particular habitat at a particular time, that feed and move together and interbreed among themselves to reproduce.

Community

Different populations of different species living together and sharing the same habitat in a given area (e.g., rice plants + frogs + insects, or trees + birds + soil organisms).

Ecosystem

A functional unit of nature consisting of a community of living organisms (biotic factors) interacting with their non-living environment (e.g., forest ecosystem, desert ecosystem, grassland).

Biosphere

The highest and broadest level of ecological organization, encompassing the entire Earth where life exists and representing the global sum/total of all ecosystems and living organisms on Earth.

Biotic Components

All living organisms present within an ecosystem, categorized into producers, consumers, and decomposers.

Producers (Autotrophs)

Living organisms such as plants, trees, and algae that convert sunlight into food via photosynthesis.

Consumers (Heterotrophs)

Organisms that depend on other organisms for food, classified into herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.

Herbivores

A type of consumer that feeds on plants (e.g., goats).

Carnivores

A type of consumer that feeds on other animals (e.g., snakes).

Omnivores

A type of consumer that feeds on both plants and animals (e.g., humans).

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients back to the soil.

Protection and Management of Natural Resources

An application of ecology that provides principles for managing soil, water, and air resources sustainably.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

The role of ecology in explaining how ecosystems interact with the global climate system, such as forests absorbing $\text{CO}_2$ and diverse systems maintaining resilience to climate stress.

Ecosystem Services

Services provided by healthy ecosystems that support human survival and livelihoods, such as agroforestry providing food, fuel, and income, and ensuring long-term food security.

Levels of Ecological Organization Pyramid

A hierarchical pyramid depicting the ecological organization starting from Individual at the top, down through Population, Community, Ecosystem, and Biosphere at the base.

Ecology Interaction Model

A conceptual diagram showing the interactions and relationship between organisms (e.g., plants) and the environment (e.g., biotic factors).