Ecology

This set studies all the basics needed when learning about ecology.

Ecology

Ecology

A science in which the relationships among living organisms and the interaction the organisms have with their environment are studied.

Ecosystem

An ecosystem is made up of all of the biotic and abiotic factors in one area.

Biotic

Living factors such as animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, etc.

Abiotic

Non-living factors such as rocks, temperature, water, light, and atmosphere.

Parts of an Ecosystem

Species, Population, Community, and Biosphere

Species

A group of organisms similar to one another that can breed and produce fertile offspring.

Population

A group consisting of one species that lives in a particular area.

Community

All living organisms in one area.

Biosphere

All of living organisms and abiotic factors contained on the earth.

Habitat

All of the biotic and abiotic factors an organism needs to live.

Niche

The role the organism fills within its habitat.

Producers

Organisms which can convert inorganic molecules into a source of energy.

Photosynthesis

The way plants can convert inorganic molecules into a source of energy.

Autotrophs

Producers

Consumers

An organism which must eat for a source of energy.

Heterotroph

Consumers

Types of Consumers

Herbivores, Omnivores, Carnivores, Detrivores

Herbivore

Organism that eats only producers (plants or bacteria).

Omnivore

An organism that eats both producers and consumers (other herbivores or carnivores).

Carnivore

An organism that eats only other consumers.

Detrivore

An organism that breaks down dead or decaying materials.

Detrivore

Decomposer

Community Interactions

Competition, Predator-Prey Relationships, and Symbiotic Relationships

Competition

When two organisms want the same resource.

Predator-Prey Relationships

One organism is eating another organism.

Symbiotic Relationships

Relationships where they live on each other.

Symbiotic Relationships

Mutualism, Commensallism, and Parasitism

Mutualism

When both members benefit (+/+).

Commensallism

When one organism benefits and the other is unharmed (+/o).

Parasitism

When one organism benefits, and the other is harmed (+/-).