Chapter 5, Lesson 1 Interactions in an Ecosystem abiotic factor biotic factor population community ecology habitat niche producer decomposer consumer topsoil humus

ecosystem – all the living and non-living things in an area Click to access link!

abiotic factor – the non-living parts of an ecosystem minerals water light air temperature soil

biotic factor – the living parts of an ecosystem animals plants protists bacteria fungi

population – all the organisms of the same species living in an area

community – all the populations living in an area

ecology – the study of how all things in an ecosystem interact Click to access link!

habitat – the place where an organism lives Click pictures to access links!

niche – the role of an organism in its community What does the species eat? What eats the species? What environment does the species need? Is the species active by night or by day? NO TWO SPECIES CAN FILL THE SAME NICHE!

producer – an organism that produces oxygen and food like plants and algae

consumer – animals are consumers consumer – animals are consumers. They eat algae, plants, or other animals.

decomposer – organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and worms that break down dead plants and animals into useful things like minerals that enrich the soil.

topsoil – the top layer of soil

humus – partly decayed plant matter