Topic 2 Ecosystems: Interdependent Relationships

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Trophic cascade

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A powerful indirect interaction; when one organism is removed (usually a top predator) triggers a top down effect on the food web

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Invasive species

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Any organism that is not native to an ecosystem and causes harm

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Symbiosis

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A close relationship between two different species.

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Mutualism

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A relationship between two species in which both species benefit

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Commensalism

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A relationship between two organisms in which one organism benefits and the other is unaffected

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Parasitism

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A relationship between two organisms of different species where one benefits and the other is harmed

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Biodiversity

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The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

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Adaptation

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Inherited characteristic that increases an organism's chance of survival

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Niche

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An organism's particular role in an ecosystem, or how it makes its living.

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Competition

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The struggle between organisms to survive in a habitat with limited resources