Chapter 3 Vocabulary

Part of Earth in which life exists, including land, water, and air or atmosphere. 

• Biosphere

• Atmosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Geosphere

Thin layer of gases that surround Earth. 

• Biosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Atmosphere

• Geosphere

All of the water - salt water and fresh water in the form of liquid, ice or vapor - above and below Earth's surface and in the atmosphere. 

• Hydrosphere

• Geosphere

• Biosphere

• Atmosphere

All of the rock at and below Earth's surface. 

• Biosphere

• Atmosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Geosphere

Scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environments. 

• Ecology

• The Nature of Life

Group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.

• Species

• Population

• Community

• Ecosystem

Groups of individuals of the same species that live in the same area. 

• Ecosystem

• Community

• Population

• Species

Assemblage of different populations that live together in a defined area. 

• Species

• Population

• Community

• Ecosystem

All the organisms that live in a place, together with their nonliving environment. 

• Ecosystem

• Community

• Population

• Species

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

• Biotic Factor

• Abiotic Factor