Ecology key words

Ecosystem

All the living organisms that interact with one another in a defined area, and all the abiotic factors present in that area

Species

A group of organisms with similar morphology and physiology. They are able to interbreed to produce fertile offspring

Community

All the living organisms, of all species, living in the same place at the same time

Intraspecific competition

Competition between members of the same species

Habitat

The place where an organism lives

Biotic factor

An influence on an organism due to other forms of life e.g. predation, disease and competition

Biome

Large region of the world that has similar plants, animals and other organisms that are adapted to the terrain and weather of that region

Interspecific competition

Competition between members of different species

Niche

The role of a particular species of organism in the community and the way in which it responds to environmental factors

Abiotic factor

A non-living environmental influence on an organism

Environment

The large scale physical surroundings of an organism encompassing all abiotic factors

Population

A group of organisms of the same species, living in the same place at the same time