Ecology

What is a habitat?

The enviroment in which an organism lives

What is a population?

The total number of organisms of the same species living in the same geographical area

What is community?

The populations of all of the different species that live in the same habitat

What is meant by the biotic part of an enviroment?

The living part

What is meant by the abiotic part of an enviroment?

The non-living part

What is a ecosystem?

The biotic and abiotic parts of an enviroment and how they interact

What do living organisms require from their surroundings and other living organisms?

Materials eg water and food

Why do organisms compete?

Required materials may be in short supply

What resources do plants compete with eachother for?

• Light

• Space

• Water

• Minerals in the soil

What resources do animals compete with eachother for?

• Food

• Water

• Mating partners

• Territory

What is interdependence?

When different species in a community depend on each other e.g. for food and shelter

What is a stable community?

When the populations of organisms are in balance with each other and with the abiotic resources

What are the four main biotic factors?

• The availability of food

• Arrival of a new predator

• Competition between species

• New pathogens

What are the seven main abiotic factors?

• Light intensity

• Temperature

• Water

• pH and mineral content of the soil

• Wind intensity and direction

• Carbon dioxide and oxygen levels