Competition in Ecosystems Flashcards

Flashcards about competition in ecosystems, ecosystem events, and relationships.

Biotic Factor

A living component of an ecosystem that affects other organisms or shapes the ecosystem.

Abiotic Factor

A non-living component of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, temperature, or water, that affects organisms or the ecosystem.

Competitive Relationship

A relationship in an ecosystem where organisms compete for the same limited resources (e.g., food, space, or mates).

Dependent Relationship

A relationship in an ecosystem where one organism relies on another for survival, such as a predator-prey relationship or a symbiotic relationship.

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms (biotic factors) interacting with each other and their physical environment (abiotic factors).

Diminished Factor (Dependent Relationship)

If a factor an organism depends on is severely diminished, the organism's population may decline, putting the organism at risk.

Restricted Factor (Competition)

When a factor that causes competition is severely restricted, the organisms that compete for it may decline or be forced to adapt.

Impacts on Natural System Adjustment

Human-caused alterations such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change impact the ability of natural systems to adjust.

Natural System Considerations

Before development, it is important to consider habitat destruction, species displacement, and pollution.