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Ecology

The study of interactions between living organisms and their environment.

Ecological System

A complex network of organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment.

Food Chain

A linear sequence showing who eats whom in an ecosystem, though food webs are now more commonly used.

Food Web

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

Phytoplankton

Microscopic organisms in the ocean that perform photosynthesis and serve as primary producers.

Biological Accumulation

The process by which organisms accumulate toxins or nutrients at higher concentrations than those found in their environment.

Ecological Tolerance

The range of conditions (such as temperature, moisture) that an organism can withstand.

Niche

The role or function of an organism within its habitat, including its interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely.

Succession

The process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, often after a disturbance.

Shade Tolerant Plants

Plants that thrive in low light conditions.

Shade Intolerant Plants

Plants that require full sunlight to grow properly.

Generalist Species

Species that can thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and can make use of a variety of resources.

Specialist Species

Species that have specific habitat requirements and are often limited to a narrow range of environmental conditions.

Fundamental Niche

The potential mode of existence of a species; where it can survive without competition.

Realized Niche

The actual mode of existence of a species; where it exists in the presence of competition.

Disturbance

An event that significantly alters the structure of an ecosystem, leading to changes in species composition.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Microbiomes

Communities of microorganisms that inhabit various environments, such as soil, water, and the human body.