Ecology Vocab Study Guide Key

Biosphere

Zone of life on Earth, 20km in height

Abiotic

Nonliving things in ecosystem, e.g., soil, light

Biotic

Living things in ecosystem, e.g., photosynthesis

Population

Individuals of one species in an area

Community

Individuals of all species in an area

Ecosystem

Community and physical environment, abiotic and biotic factors

Biome

Ecosystem with a specific climate

Habitat

Where one organism lives

Niche

Role an organism has in an ecosystem

Symbiosis

Close interaction between two organisms

Mutualism

Interaction benefiting both organisms

Commensalism

Interaction benefiting one organism without affecting the other

Parasitism

Interaction benefiting one organism while harming the other

Rule of 10

Only 10% energy passed down trophic levels

Autotrophs

Primary producers, usually through photosynthesis

Heterotrophs

Organisms getting energy from consuming others

Carnivores

Organisms eating animals

Herbivores

Organisms eating plants

Decomposers

Organisms breaking down organic material

Nitrogen Fixation

Process of taking nitrogen from the atmosphere by bacteria

Eutrophication

Excess nitrogen and phosphorus causing overgrowth

Pioneer Species

First species to colonize barren environments

Carrying Capacity

Limit to habitats and niches an environment can support