Ecosystems - Key Terms

Question 1

Abiotic

Answer 1

Non-living things such as rocks, water and air.

Question 2

Biome

Answer 2

A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat.

Question 3

Biotic

Answer 3

Living organisms in an ecosystem.

Question 4

Decomposer

Answer 4

An organism, especially a soil bacterium, fungus, or invertebrate, that decomposes organic material.

Question 5

Detritus

Answer 5

Organic matter produced by the decomposition of organisms.

Question 6

Detritivore

Answer 6

An animal which feeds on dead organic material, especially plant detritus.

Question 7

Ecosystem

Answer 7

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Question 8

Food web

Answer 8

A system of interlocking and interdependent food chains.

Question 9

Food chain

Answer 9

A series of organisms each dependant on the next as a source of food.

Question 10

Nutrient Cycle

Answer 10

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of matter.

Question 11

Predator

Answer 11

An animal that naturally preys on others.