Ch. 4 Flashcards
ecosystem
all of the organisms living in an area together with their physical environment
biotic factor
all living organisms, animals, fungi, bacteria, & plants
abiotic factor
nonliving parts of the ecosystem, air, water rocks, sand, light & temp.
organism
individual living thing
species
group of organisms that can mate to produce fertile offspring
population
group of the same species that live in the same place
community
group of various species that live in the same place & interact with each other
habitat
place where an organism lives
natural selection
process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment survive & produce with more success then well adapted individuals do
evolution
change in the genetic characteristics of a population from one generation to the next
adaptation
inherited trait that increases an organisms chance of survival and reproduction in a certain environment
artificial selection
selective breeding of organisms by humans for specific characteristics
resistance
ability if one or more organisms to tolerate a particular chemical designed to kill it
archaea
are often found in extreme places, such as hot springs
bacteria
very common and can be found in many places including soil & animal bodies
