Introduction to Ecology Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, levels of organization, relationships, energy flow, succession, and biomes introduced in the ecology lecture.

Ecology

The scientific study of the interactions among organisms, abiotic factors, and biotic factors.

Population

A group of organisms (one species) that interbreed and live together.

Community

A collection of interacting populations.

Ecosystems

Interactions among the populations in a community and the physical surroundings.

Biome

General set of conditions and organisms.

Biosphere

The portion of earth that supports life.

Habitat

The place an organism lives its life.

Niche

The role an organism has in its environment.

Decomposers

Organisms identified as saprotrophs (saprophytes) within living relationships.

Symbiotic (Symbiosis)

A permanent close relationship.

Autotrophs

Producers that make their own food.

Heterotrophs

Consumers that must eat food.

Ecological succession

A developmental process involving pioneer species, primary succession, secondary succession, and climax community.

Fresh water

Aquatic biome environments consisting of rivers, lakes, and ponds.