Introduction to Ecology

These flashcards cover key concepts in ecology, including definitions of terms and explanations of ecological relationships.

Ecology

The study of the ways organisms interact with each other and with their nonliving surroundings.

Ecosystem

All the organisms living together with their physical environment.

Abiotic

Nonliving components of an ecosystem such as air, water, and temperature.

Biotic

Living components of an ecosystem such as plants and animals.

Biosphere

All parts of the Earth where life exists.

Population

A group of organisms of the same species that can interbreed.

Community

All living organisms within a specific area that interact with each other.

Niche

An organism’s job/role in the ecosystem.

Symbiosis

The close association between two or more different organisms of different species.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Commensalism

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected.

Parasitism

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

Photosynthesis

A process where green plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose.

Cellular Respiration

The process that releases energy by breaking down glucose.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that do not make their own food and must consume other organisms.

Food Chain

A linear sequence of organisms where each is eaten by the next in the chain.

Food Web

A complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem.

Ecological Pyramid

A graphical representation showing the relationship between consumers and producers at different trophic levels.