1 Foundations of Ecology Free Online FlashCards

What does ecology study?

Ecology is the scientific study of how organisms interact with one another and with their environment.

What are biotic factors?

Biotic factors are living parts of the environment, such as competitors, predators, and food sources.

What are abiotic factors?

Abiotic factors are nonliving physical and chemical conditions, such as temperature, water, light, and soil.

What is an organism in ecological organization?

An organism is an individual living thing. Organismal ecology studies how its traits and behavior relate to its environment.

How is an ecological population defined?

A population is individuals of the same species living in the same area.

What makes up an ecological community?

A community consists of all populations of different species living and interacting in an area.

What distinguishes an ecosystem from a community?

An ecosystem includes a community and the abiotic environment with which it interacts.

What is the biosphere?

The biosphere consists of the parts of Earth where life exists, encompassing all of Earth’s ecosystems.

What is predation?

Predation is an interaction in which one organism consumes another.

What is herbivory?

Herbivory occurs when an animal eats a plant or alga.

What characterizes parasitism?

In parasitism, one organism benefits while harming its host.

When does ecological competition occur?

Competition occurs when organisms use an overlapping limited resource, such as food, water, or nesting sites.