Ecosystem Dynamics and Species Interactions Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key topics from ecosystem basics, resource competition, niche theory, symbiotic relationships, predator-prey dynamics, and special species roles.

Ecosystem

A system of interacting living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) components that varies in size, stability, and complexity.

Biotic Components

The living factors within an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and bacteria.

Abiotic Components

The nonliving physical and chemical factors in an ecosystem, including temperature, wind, soil composition, sunlight, precipitation, and humidity.

Ecological Niche

The specific and unique role of a species within its habitat.

Energy Flow

An ecosystem process where energy flows into ecosystems (usually from sunlight) and is transferred through trophic levels from producers to consumers.

Matter Recycling

An ecosystem process where matter, including nutrients and elements, is continuously recycled between biotic and abiotic factors.

Limiting Resource

Any resource in an ecosystem where demand is greater than supply, such as light, space, nutrients, and temperature.

Intraspecific Competition

Competition for limited resources that occurs within the same species.

Interspecific Competition

Competition for limited resources that occurs between different species.

Competitive Exclusion Principle (CEP)

The principle stating that two species cannot occupy the same niche, as one species will ultimately outcompete the other, leading to local extinction or displacement of the less competitive species.

Resource Partitioning

A process where different species in a community utilize distinct resources and occupy different niches to minimize competition.

Fundamental Niche

The entire niche potential or whole possible niche that a species could occupy in an environment.

Realized Niche

The actual, smaller niche occupied by a species after being redefined due to the Competitive Exclusion Principle and resource partitioning.

Symbiosis

A close, long-term interaction between two species.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship ($+ / +$) in which both species benefit.

Commensalism

A symbiotic relationship ($+ / 0$) in which one species benefits and the other remains unaffected.

Parasitism

A symbiotic relationship ($+ / -$) in which one species benefits and the other is harmed.

Predator-Prey Interactions

Interactions operating as a negative feedback loop where predator and prey populations control each other's size in boom and bust cycles and co-evolve through natural selection.

Keystone Species

A species, often a predator, that has a disproportionately higher impact on the structure and biodiversity of an ecosystem.

Trophic Cascade

Cascading effects throughout the food chain that impact multiple species and ecosystem dynamics, often triggered by the loss of a keystone species or changes in one species' population.

Ecosystem Engineer

A species, such as a beaver, that modifies its environment in a way that other organisms rely on those changes to live or thrive.

Indicator Species

A species sensitive to environmental changes, such as amphibians (frogs and toads), whose health or presence signals the condition of an ecosystem.