Organisms in an Ecosystem

Habitat: the place where an organism lives out its life. 1. it can change 2. or disappear 3. it is the location of food, shelter, and other essential resources.

Niche The role and position a species has in its environment-how it meets its needs for food and shelter, how it survives, and how it reproduces.

Examples Polar bears in the polar regions-fur coat It’s an advantage for a species to occupy a niche different from those of other species. Always try to reduce competition.

Living Relationships: either beneficial or harmful

Predator-Prey Such as the lion and wildebeests. The predator KILLS and eats the animals, and the PREY is being eaten. This relationship causes fights for survival.

Symbiosis (3 types) Means living together; a close and permanent association among organisms of different species.

Commensalisms 1 species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefited. Ex. Dog-Human Ex. Falcon-Geese

Mutualism When two species benefit from living in a close association. Ex. Rhino-birds Ex. Ants-trees

Parasitism One organism benefits at the expense of the other. Ex. Ticks, tape worm, round worm