Ecology 1: that biotic and abiotic factors affect ecosystem carrying capacity. (HS-LS2.1)

ecology

The study of how living things interact with each other and their environment

biotic

Living things in an ecosystem (plants, animals, bacteria, fungi)

abiotic

non-living things in an ecosystem (water, air, sunlight, temperature, pollution, pH, etc)

population

group of individuals of the same species that live in the same area

biological community

populations of different species that live in the same location at the same time

ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and the non-living factors in their environment that affect them

habitat

the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.

niche

An organism's particular role in an ecosystem, or how it makes its living.

competition

when two or more organisms need the same resources (food, shelter, etc)

predation

An interaction in which one organism kills another for food.

symbiosis

A close relationship between two species that benefits at least one of the species.

mutualism

symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit from the relationship

commensalism

symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits and the other species is not harmed or helped

Parasitism

A symbiotic relationship in which one organism lives on or in a host and harms it.

Carrying capacity

The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support. Affected by biotic and abiotic factors.

Climate

An abiotic factor: the long-term average of weather conditions in a particular area, including temperature, humidity, and precipitation patterns.

Resources

Necessary materials or substances required for organisms to live, grow, and reproduce, such as food, water, and shelter.

Disease

Biotic factor that affects carrying capacity. Large, crowded populations are more prone to outbreaks of illness.