Ecosystem Concepts

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Ecosystem

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A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

ex. A forest with rocks, bugs, animals, sunlight, dirt, and the sun

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Biotic

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relating to or resulting from living things, especially in their ecological relations.

ex. Trees

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Abiotic

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physical rather than biological; not derived from living organisms.

ex. Water

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Limiting Factor

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A condition that can restrict a population's growth.

ex. Predators

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Carrying Capacity

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The maximum population size an environment can sustain.

ex. Tree can only sustain 3 birds

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Logistic Growth (S-Curve)

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Growth that starts exponentially but slows and stabilizes as it approaches a maximum limit.

ex. Fish population grows quickly, then stabilizes at carrying capacity.

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Exponential Growth (J Curve)

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Population growth that increases rapidly, forming a J-shaped curve.

ex. A rabbit population doubling every year without predators

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Niche

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The role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem.

ex. Bees pollinating flowers and making honey.

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Density Dependent

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Factors that affect population growth based on the population density.

ex. A disease spreading faster in a crowded population.

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Density Independent

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Factors that affect population growth regardless of population density.

ex. Tornados