Ecology Flashcards
Define environment
The abiotic and biotic factors
Distinguish between abiotic and biotic factors
Abiotic factors are the non living chemical and physical factors, and the biotic factors are the living factors
Distinguish between a niche and habitat
A niche is the role of an organism in an ecosystem, while a habitat is a place where a particular organism lives
Distinguish between a population and community
A population is all the members of a particular species living together in a particular habitat, and a community is all the populations of different species living together in a particular habitat
Distinguish between species and population
A species is a group of individuals of common ancestry that closely resemble each other and are normally capable of interbreeding to produce a fertile offspring
A population is members of a particular species living in a particular habitat
Impacts of Soil on living organisms
The type of soil, its pH, texture, and nutrient availability determine which plant species can thrive in a particular area.
Soil provides nutrients for plants
Plants obtain water from the soil
Impacts of water on living organisms
The availability of water affects the distribution and abundance of organisms. Water quality impacts the types of organisms that can survive in a given habitat.
Impacts of climate on living organisms
Temperature affects metabolic rates, growth, reproduction and survival. Organisms have specific temperature ranges within which they can function optimally. Extreme temps can be detrimental to many organisms
