ESS Unit 2.1

Flashcards

Niche

The role that an organism plays in its ecosystem, including its interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

Ecosystem

A community of interdependent organisms and their physical environment, including both abiotic and biotic factors.

Biotic Factors

Living components of an ecosystem that can influence organisms, such as predation, competition, and disease.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living physical components of an ecosystem that can influence organisms, including temperature, sunlight, and pH.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area at the same time.

Community

A group of different populations living and interacting in a common habitat.

Habitat

The natural environment where an organism lives, which must provide food, water, and shelter.

Primary Consumers

Organisms that primarily feed on plants and can be considered predators of plants.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead organic material, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Parasite

An organism that lives on or in a host organism and benefits at the host's expense.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

Competition

Interactions between individuals or species that vie for the same resources.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of organisms of a particular species that an ecosystem can support.

Population Dynamics

The study of how populations change over time.

Limiting Factors

Biotic or abiotic factors that restrict population growth as it approaches carrying capacity.

S-Curve

A curve that depicts logistic population growth, where growth slows as resources become limited and approaches carrying capacity.

J-Curve

A population growth curve that shows exponential growth followed by a sudden collapse.