Ecology is the study of the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.

Biosphere- anywhere in ,on, or around the Earth where life exists

The biosphere is the global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships.

Species-organisms capable of successful reproduction

Biome- large geographical area defined by climate and dominant flora and fauna

Ecosystem- interacting living and nonliving aspects of a particular location

Biotic- living part of ecosystem

Abiotic- nonliving part of ecosystem

Community- all the living components of an ecosystem

Population- all of the members of the same species in the same location at the same time

biomass- dry weight of all the organisms in a specific trophic level

trophic level- feeding level in a food chain

autotroph (producer)- organism capable of producing organic nutrients from inorganic substances

heterotroph (consumer)- an organism that must eat other organisms to obtain nutrients

herbivore- organism that eats only plants

carnivore- organism that eats only animals

omnivore- organism that eats both plants and animals

decomposer- organism that breaks down dead organic matter

detritivore- organism that feeds on dead organic matter and organic waste

Ecological Pyramid- diagram that demonstrates the relationships between the trophic levels in an ecosystem as they pertain to energy availability, biomass and numbers

predation- when one organisms seeks out and eats another

habitat-the place where an organism lives

niche- the role an organism plays in its environment

symbiosis- an interdependent intimate relationship between two organisms where at least one reaps a benefit

mutualism- a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit

commensalism- a symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected

parasitism- a symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is harmed

Succession- the sequential changes that take place in an ecosystem as dominant organisms replace each other over time

Primary Succession- the first time ecosystem forms where one never existed

Secondary Succession- the replacement of an ecosystem when a previous ecosystem is destroyed

Pioneer species- first species to enter a emerging ecosystem

Carrying capacity- maximum number of individuals of a given species that an ecosystem can support