ecosystems

population

A group of the same type of organisms living in an area.

individual

A single organism.

adaptation

An inherited structure or behavior that increases an organism's chances of survival and reproduction.

predator

An organism that eats other organisms to live.

environment

Everything that surrounds an organism and influences it. The study of how living things are related each other and to their natural environment.

marine ecosystem

Includes ocean and sea areas; high salt content

freshwater ecosystem

Includes streams, rivers, lakes, marshes and swamps; low salt levels

photosynthesis

The chemical process in which plants make their own food.

community

The interaction of all organisms (more than one population) living in an area.

ecosystem

The living and non-living parts of the environment in a specific area. (Ecosystems can be really small or really large!)

biotic factors

The living parts of an ecosystem such as plants and animals.

abiotic factors

The non-living parts of an ecosystem such as soil, climate and rainfall.

prey

The organism that gets eaten.

habitat

The physical place where an organism lives.

niche

The position of an organism in a community of plants and animals.

ecology

The study of how living things are related each other and to their natural environment.