Chapter 18

Front

What is ecology?

Back

The scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environments.

Front

What are biotic factors?

Back

All living organisms in an area

Front

What are abiotic factors?

Back

Nonliving environmental components (ex: temperature, light, water, minerals, and air.)

Front

Define habitat.

Back

An organism's specific environment in which it lives, including both biotic and abiotic factors.

Front

What is a niche?

Back

A specific role played or occupied by an organism in an ecosystem, often defined by where it lives, what resources it uses, and how it interacts with other environmental factors.

Front

What is an organism?

Back

An individual living thing.

Front

What are evolutionary adaptations?

Back

Adaptations that enable organisms to meet the challenges of their abiotic environments.

Front

Why can't amphibians live in cold climates?

Back

Because they gain body warmth by absorbing heat from their surroundings.

Front

Define population

Back

A group of individuals of the same species living together in a particular geographic area.

Front

What does population ecology address?

Back

The interactions within a population, mainly factors affecting population density and growth.