Understanding Ecosystems

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to ecosystems, including definitions of important terms and concepts discussed in the lecture.

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms along with their natural habitat and non-living components of their environment.

Biotic components

All the living organisms living in an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, fungi, and micro-organisms.

Abiotic components

The non-living elements of an ecosystem, including air, water, sunlight, nutrients, and temperature.

Role/Niche

The specific role or function that an organism has in its ecosystem, which is unique and cannot be shared for a long time by two organisms.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment, which can harm ecosystems and lead to extinction.

Micro-organisms

Minute organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that exist within an ecosystem, including those that inhabit the human body.

Habitat

The natural environment in which an organism lives, which is part of an ecosystem.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area within an ecosystem.