Biology Concepts and Definitions

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Abiotic factors

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Any nonliving factors in an organism’s environment, such as soil, water temperature, and light availability.

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Predation

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The act of one organism hunting and feeding on another organism.

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Carrying capacity

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The largest number of individuals in a species that an environment can support long-term.

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Photosynthesis

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Process in which the sun’s light energy is converted to chemical energy for use by the cell to make glucose.

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Biodiversity

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The number of different species living in a specific area.

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Biotic factors

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Living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.

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Limiting factors

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Environmental conditions that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or a population.

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Mutualism

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A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

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Herbivory

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The act of one organism feeding on plants.

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Competition

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The struggle between organisms for the same resources in an ecosystem.