5.1 Flashcards
(26 cards)
Organism
Living thing
Species
A group of living organisms capable of interbreeding with each other but not with members of other species
Population
A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area at a particular time
Community
More than one population living in the same area at a particular time
Ecosystem
Communities of organisms that interact with each other and their environment
Ecology
The study of ecosystems
Producers
Organism at the base of the food chain that does not need to feed on other organisms; also known as an autotroph
Decomposers
Organisms that break down organic matter into inorganic materials
photosynthesis
The food-making process in plants that takes place in chloroplasts within cells. The process uses carbon dioxide, water and energy from the sun
autotrophs
Self producers
heterotrophs
Self consumers
Consumers
Organism that relies on other organisms for its food; also known as a heterotroph
Herbivores
Animal that eats only plants
primary consumers
The first consumer in a food chain; also known as a first-order consumer
Carnivores
An animal that eats other animals
omnivores
Animal that eats plants and other animals
detritivores
Animal that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter
ecological niche
The position of a species or population in its ecosystem in relation to each other
competition
the struggle among organisms for food, territory and other factors
parasitism
an interaction in which one species (the parasite) lives in or on another species (the host) from which it obtains food, shelter and other requirements
Mutualism
relationship between two different organisms in which both benefit
Commensalism
relationship between organisms where one benefits and the other is unaffected
Inter specific competition
competition between organisms of the same species
Intra specific competition
competition between organisms of different species
