Communities

Communities Populations live in groups of other populations which form communities. Community- is a group of species that live in the same habitat and interact with each other.

Abiotic and Biotic Factors Abiotic- Any non living factor within an ecosystem. Biotic-Any living factor within an ecosystem.

Symbiosis Symbiosis- Any close relationship between species

Competition Competition- occurs between two organisms when they compete for the same resource. In most cases of competition one species benefits and the other is unaffected or harmed.

Competition Competitive exclusion- When two organisms compete for resources the species which uses the resources more efficiently will eventually eliminate the other.

Mutualism Mutualism- A symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit.

Commensalism Commensalisms- A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is not affected.

Parasitism Parasitism- A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is harmed. Parasite Host

The horsehair worm: It starts as an egg in a puddle The horsehair worm: It starts as an egg in a puddle. When the puddle dries out a grasshopper usually comes along and eats it. It then burrows into the insects gut and grows. When it is an adult it produces chemicals that make the insect seek out water and jump into it. The worm will exit the grasshopper and finish out its life in the puddle. The grasshopper may survive the ordeal if it doesn’t drown.

Parasitism Do parasites kill their host? Why or why not. Endoparasite- internal parasites Ectoparasites- external parasites

Predator Predator- Consumers that capture and eat other consumers. Prey- Organisms that are killed and consumed by another organism

Mimicry Mimicry- An organism which looks or acts like a different species to gain an advantage for survival.

Mimicry

Plant Herbivore Interactions Animals that eat plants are known as herbivores. Ecologists usually classify the relationship between plants and herbivores as a form of predation. Secondary compounds- compounds produced by plants that are poisonous, bad tasting or irritating. Examples- poison ivy, tobacco

Biodiversity Biodiversity- The number and variety of organisms in a given area during a specific period of time. Primary cause of decreased biodiversity is habitat destruction.

Climate determines life within a community. Climate refers to the prevailing weather conditions in a given area. The two most important elements of climate are temperature and moisture Temperature- Most organisms are adapted to live within a particular range of temperatures. Moisture- Patterns of rainfall often determine the type of organisms which live in that location.

Biomes A major biological community that occurs over a large area of land is called a biome. 7 major biomes tropical rain forest savannas taiga tundra deserts grasslands temperate deciduous forests