Populations and Ecosystems

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Observation Noun

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[ob-zur-vay-shun]

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Observation

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The act of gathering factual information using the five senses, such as sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste.

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Example: A student observes a reaction using senses, illustrating scientific observation.

Front

Inference Noun

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[in-fer-ens]

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Inference

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An explanation or conclusion that is drawn from evidence and reasoning based on observations and prior knowledge.

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Example: Students use clues from a story to infer the identity of a stranger, demonstrating how inferences are drawn from evidence.

Front

Species Noun

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[spee-sheez]

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Species

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A fundamental category of classification for a group of similar organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

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Example: The image shows two species of crows that can interbreed to produce hybrids, illustrating the concept of species and fertile offspring.

Front

Genus Noun

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[jee-nus]

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Genus

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A principal taxonomic category that ranks above species and below family, grouping together closely related species of organisms.

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Example: This diagram shows where 'Genus' fits in the biological classification system, between 'Family' and 'Species'.

Front

Phylum Noun

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[fy-lum]

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Phylum

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A major classification group for living things that ranks above class and below kingdom in the biological hierarchy.

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Example: The image shows 'Phylum' as part of the biological classification hierarchy, helping students understand its place above 'Class' and below 'Kingdom'.

Front

Ecosystem Noun

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[ee-koh-sis-tum]

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Ecosystem

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A biological community where living organisms interact with each other and with their non-living physical environment.

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Example: This image shows a pond ecosystem where fish, plants, and water interact, demonstrating how living and non-living things coexist.

Front

Abiotic Factor Noun

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[ay-by-ot-ik fak-ter]

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Abiotic Factor

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The non-living chemical and physical parts of an ecosystem that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems.

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Example: The sun and rain are abiotic factors that influence ecosystems by providing light and water.

Front

Biotic Factor Noun

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[by-ot-ik fak-ter]

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Biotic Factor

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Any living or once-living component that affects another organism or shapes the ecosystem, including animals, plants, and fungi.

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Example: The image shows animals and plants in a habitat, demonstrating biotic factors in an ecosystem.

Front

Biome Noun

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[by-ohm]

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Biome

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A large community of vegetation and wildlife adapted to a specific climate, grouping together similar ecosystems.

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Example: A globe surrounded by diverse plants and animals shows how different biomes support various life forms.

Front

Biosphere Noun

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[by-oh-sfeer]

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Biosphere

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The global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships, including their interaction with Earth's elements.

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Example: The image shows how the biosphere includes land, water, and air, where living things interact with Earth's elements.