Ecology Flashcards

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biosphere

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All the parts of the planet that can support life

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ecosystem

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A system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment (abiotic AND biotic factors)

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biome

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A group of ecosystems that share similar climates and typical organisms; example: deserts

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biotic factor

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Any living part of the environment with which an organism might interact

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abiotic factor

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Non-living factors including temperature, water, sunlight, wind, rocks and soil

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population

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A group of individuals that belong to the same species and live in the same area

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community

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All the different populations that live together in an area

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niche

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An organism's particular role in an ecosystem, including its place in the food chain

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keystone species

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A species that has an oversized impact on its environment

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invasive species

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A species that is introduced into a new environment