Symbiotic Relationships

Close and dependent relationship between organisms of different species living closely together.

Definition of Symbiosis

Both species benefit from the relationship.

Definition of Mutualism

One species benefits and the other is not affected.

Definition of Commensalism

One species benefits and the other one is harmed in the process.

Definition of Parasitism

The organism that is harmed in the process of parasitism.

Definition of Host

The organism that benefits in the process of parasitism.

Definition of Parasite

Predation includes all "win-lose" interactions in which one organism consumes all or part of another.

Definition of predation

A relationship where organisms compete for resources.

Definition of competition

The resources that organisms need to survive. When unavailable these factors limit a populations' ability to grow/increase.

Limiting Factor or Resource

Non-living factors in an environment

Abiotic Factors

Living or formerly living factors in the environment

Biotic Factors

A single individual of a species

Organism

All organisms of one species living in a specific area.

Population

All populations of different organisms living together in a specific area.

Community

All biotic factors interacting with the non-living factors in an environment

Ecosystem

Reasons energy is used up as you move from one tropic level to the next.

1) Mechanical Energy

2) Decomposer

3) Heat Loss

Species that need to consume other organisms in order to get energy.

Heterotrophs

Species that convert solar energy into food energy through photosynthesis.

Autotroph

Organisms that break down dead material and turn it in to nutrients to recycle back in to the environment.

Decomposers

Example of mutualism

Tick bird and Rhinoceros - bird gets food (ticks) and rhino loses ticks

Example of commensalism

Remora and shark - remora gets food shark discards

Example of parasitism

Tick and a dog: the tick gets food and the dog gets an allergic reaction to the tick

Example of predation

A turtle wiggles its tongue to entice unsuspecting fish to come near. When the fish approaches, the turtle strikes and eats the fish.

Example of competition

Beetles & termites want to break down the dead material in the same spot on the same dead tree.

Types of ecosystems

deserts, mountains, forest, grasslands, fresh water, marine, savanna

limiting factors

Any biotic or abiotic factor that restricts the existence, numbers, reproduction, or distribution of organisms.