Interdependence and Relationships in Ecology

biodiversity

wide variety of plant, animal and other living organisms in an area

carrying capacity

Maximum number of organisms in a population that a environment can support

limiting factors

environmental factors that restrict population growth such as food availability, habitat loss and mates

competition

the struggle between organisms to survive in a habitat with limited resources

deforestation

the permanent destruction of forests in order to make the land available for other uses

climate change

change attributed directly or indirectly to human activity, altering the composition of the global atmosphere.

symbiosis

relationship in which two species live/interact closely together

mutualism

A relationship between two species in which both species benefit (+/+)

commensalism

A relationship between two organisms in which one organism benefits and the other is unaffected (+/o)

parasitism

A relationship between two organisms where one benefits and the other is harmed (+/-)

human impact

The effect that humans have on an environment.

abiotic

non-living things in an ecosystem

biotic

living things in an ecosystem