Glossary of Ecosystem Terms

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Abiotic Factors

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Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, temperature, water, and soil.

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Autotroph

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An organism that produces its own food using sunlight (photosynthesis) or chemical energy (chemosynthesis); also known as a producer.

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Biodiversity

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The variety of living organisms in an ecosystem, including species, genetic, and ecological diversity.

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Biome

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A large geographical area characterized by specific climate conditions and particular plant and animal communities (e.g., desert, rainforest).

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Biotic Factors

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Living components of an ecosystem, including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi.

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Carnivore

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An animal that primarily eats other animals.

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Carrying Capacity

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The maximum number of organisms an ecosystem can support without degrading.

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Community

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A group of interacting populations of different species living in the same area.

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Decomposer

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An organism, such as bacteria or fungi, that breaks down dead organic material and recycles nutrients.

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Ecosystem

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A community of living organisms interacting with one another and with their physical environment.