IB ESS notes

biosphere

An ecological system composed of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems; represents parts of Earth where life exists.

species

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

hybrid species

Organisms that result from the crossbreeding of two different species.

population

A group of organisms of the same species living in the same area at the same time, capable of interbreeding.

niche

The role of an organism in an ecosystem, including where, when and how it lives.

community

A collection of interacting populations within an ecosystem.

habitat

The location in which a community, species, population, or organism lives. Its description possibly including: geographical and physical locations; type of the ecosystem

ecosystem

Open systems in which both energy and matter can enter and exit, comprising a community and its physical environment which it interacts with

biome

A large-scale ecological community characterized by a distinctive assemblage of flora and fauna adapted to specific climatic conditions.

bioaccumulation

Retaining or building up non-biodegradable or slowly biodegradable chemicals in the body.

biomagnification

The process whereby the concentration of a chemical increases at each trophic level.

carrying capacity

The number of organisms or size of a population that an area or ecosystem can sustainably support over time.

The average size of a population determined by competition for limited resources.