Chapter 7: Interactions in Ecosystems

competition

• occurs when two or more organisms try to use the same resource

• is a process where organisms evolve to become more similar

• is a type of symbiotic relationship between different species

• is the act of one organism consuming another for energy

migration

• movement of animals from one ecosystem to another

• a type of plant growth

• the process of photosynthesis

• a method of soil erosion

symbiosis

• a special partnership when two species interact with one another over a long period of time

• a competition between two species for the same resources

• a relationship where one species benefits at the expense of another

• a random interaction between two unrelated species

commensalism

• relationship benefits one partner but does not help or hurt the other partner

• relationship where both partners benefit from each other

• relationship where one partner is harmed while the other benefits

• relationship that has no effect on either partner

community

• all the different species that live in a particular ecosystem

• a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area

• the physical environment where organisms live

• the interactions between different species in an ecosystem

parasite

• an organism that can produce its own food through photosynthesis.

• any organism that lives on or inside another organism and takes food from that organism.

• a type of bacteria that helps in digestion.

• an organism that is always beneficial to its host.

adaptations

• any special characteristic or skills that help a living thing survive in its environment

• a type of food that all living things need

• a method of reproduction in plants

• a process of aging in animals

decomposers

• organisms that break down dead things and waste

• organisms that produce energy through photosynthesis

• organisms that consume living plants and animals

• organisms that recycle nutrients in the soil

prey

• animals that a predator hunts

• animals that hunt other animals

• plants that provide food for animals

• animals that are not hunted by predators

instincts

• God-given basic knowledge and skills needed for survival

• Learned behaviors from experience

• Complex reasoning skills developed over time

• Cultural practices passed down through generations