Ecology Vocabulary 2

Abiotic factors (n)

• Non-living parts of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, water, air, and rocks.
• Living parts of an ecosystem.
• A place where scientists study animals.

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Adaptation (n)

• A change or feature that helps a plant or animal survive better in its environment.
• A relationship between two different species.
• A process where animals fight for resources.

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Biotic factors (n)

• Living parts of an ecosystem, like plants and animals.
• Non-living parts of an ecosystem.
• A place where scientists study animals.

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Carrying capacity (n)

• The largest number of individuals of a species that an ecosystem can support over time.
• A struggle between organisms for the same resources.
• A close relationship between two different species.

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Competition (n)

• A struggle between organisms for the same resources, like food, water, or space.
• A close relationship between two different species.
• A process where animals change to need less from their surroundings.

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Decomposer (n)

• An organism, like bacteria or fungi, that breaks down dead plants and animals into simpler substances.
• An animal that eats only plants.
• An animal that eats only meat.

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Invasive species (n)

• A plant or animal that is not native to an area and can harm the environment, economy, or human health.
• An animal that is hunted for food.
• An animal that eats only plants.

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Keystone species (n)

• A species that has a big effect on its ecosystem and helps to maintain balance among other species.
• An animal that hunts other animals for food.
• An animal that eats only plants.

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Mutualism (n)

• A type of symbiosis where both species benefit from their relationship.
• A relationship where only one species benefits and the other is harmed.
• A relationship where both species compete for resources.

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Niche (n)

• The role or job of an organism in its ecosystem, including what it eats, where it lives, and how it behaves.
• Where a certain animal or plant lives.
• The food an animal eats.