Ecology Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about ecosystems and ecological relationships.

Basic Needs

The basic needs for animals and humans: water, sunlight, suitable temperature, food, and air.

Adaptation

A change in body or way of living to suit a new environment.

Structural Adaptation

A structural adaptation that allows an organism to blend in with its environment.

Behavioral Adaptation

Behavioral adaptation involving migration or hibernation.

Symbiosis

Long-term interaction between two different species.

Parasitism

A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is harmed.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit.

Commensalism

A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is not harmed or helped.

Biotic

Living components of an ecosystem.

Abiotic

Non-living components of an ecosystem.

Consumer

An organism that eats or uses something.

Producer

Something that makes its own food using sunlight through photosynthesis.

Decomposer

An organism that decomposes organic material.

Scavenger

An animal that feeds on dead plants or animals.

Predator-Prey Relationship

A predator-prey relationship, such as when a cat tries to kill a rat.