Ecosystem and Ecological Concepts

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Ecosystem

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A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.

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Biotic

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Refers to living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.

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Abiotic

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Non-living factors in an ecosystem, including sunlight, water, temperature, and soil.

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Limiting Factor

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Any factor that restricts the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or population.

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Carrying Capacity

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The maximum population size an environment can sustainably support.

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Logistic Growth (S-Curve)

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Population growth that slows as it reaches carrying capacity, forming an S-shaped curve.

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Exponential Growth (J-Curve)

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Rapid population increase without resource limitations, creating a J-shaped curve.

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Niche

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The role an organism plays in its ecosystem, including its habitat, diet, and interactions.

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Density-Dependent

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Factors that affect population size depending on its density, such as predation or disease.

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Density-Independent

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Factors that impact population size regardless of density, like natural disasters or climate changes.