ecosystems

definition of habitat

the place where an organism lives

definition of habitat specialists

species that can only survive in a very specific type of habitat

definition of habitat generalists

species that can survive in a range of habitats

definition of population

all of the individuals of one species living in a habitat

definition of abundance

the size of a population in a habitat

definition of distribution

the exact location of a population within a habitat

definition of community

multiple populations living and interacting in the same area

definition of ecosystem

a community and its interactions with the non-living parts of its habitat

definition of biotic factors

living factors that influence populations within their community

three examples of biotic factors

predation, food availability, disease

definition of abiotic factors

non-living factors that influence populations within their community

three examples of abiotic factors

light intensity, temperature, soil pH

definition of niche

the role of a species within its habitat

what would happen if two species fill the same niche?

the two species will be in direct competition with each other for resources
one will out-compete the other

how does a niche determine abundance of a species within a habitat?

if two species occupy similar niche → competition
smaller populations → lower abundance

how does a niche determine distribution of a species within a habitat?

the niche of the species has to be well-adapted to it’s habitat, if not they will move and distribution changes