Ecosystem Interactions

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting with their physical environment (soil, water, air) in a specific area.

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What is competition in an ecosystem?

Back

Competition occurs when two or more organisms vie for the same resources (food, water, space) in an ecosystem.

Front

Define predation.

Back

Predation is an interaction where one organism (the predator) hunts and kills another organism (the prey) for food.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

Mutualism is a type of interaction where both species benefit from the relationship.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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What is parasitism?

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Parasitism is a relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another organism (the host), often harming it.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What is commensalism?

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Commensalism is a relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Front

Give an example of competition in nature.

Back

An example of competition is two species of birds competing for the same nesting sites.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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What is the role of a predator in an ecosystem?

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Predators help control the population of prey species, maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

How does mutualism benefit both species?

Back

In mutualism, both species gain advantages, such as food, protection, or transportation.

Front

What is an example of parasitism?

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An example of parasitism is a tick feeding on the blood of a mammal.