10 Questions
What is an ecosystem?
A life-supporting environment including living organisms, nutrients, and physical/chemical environment
What does the term 'community' refer to in ecology?
All the populations of all the different species of organisms living in a habitat at any one time
How can the niche of an organism be described?
As the role of the organism in the community, or its way of life
What does ecology study?
Interactions between organisms and their environment
Where does the word 'ecology' come from?
Greek word 'oikos', meaning house
What is the role of an ecosystem in ecology?
An ecosystem is a life-supporting environment that includes all living organisms, their interactions, nutrient cycling, and the physical and chemical environment in which they live.
What does the term 'microhabitat' refer to in ecology?
Microhabitat refers to a small, specific habitat within an ecosystem where organisms live, such as the palps of a freshwater shrimp.
How can a community be defined in ecology?
A community consists of all the populations of different species of organisms living in a habitat at any one time, interacting with each other within that habitat.
What does the term 'niche' refer to in ecology?
The niche of an organism can be described as the role of the organism in the community, or its specific way of life within its habitat.
What is the significance of the word 'oikos' in the context of ecology?
The word 'ecology' comes from the Greek 'oikos,' which means house, emphasizing the study of living things in their home environment within an ecosystem.
Study Notes
Ecosystem and Ecology Basics
- An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living components interacting with each other in a specific environment.
Ecology Definition
- Ecology is the scientific study of the relationships between living organisms (biotic factors) and their physical environment (abiotic factors).
Origin of the Term 'Ecology'
- The word 'ecology' originates from the Greek words 'oikos' meaning 'house' or 'habitat', and 'logos' meaning 'study'.
Significance of 'Oikos'
- The term 'oikos' emphasizes the idea of a shared habitat or environment, highlighting the interconnectedness of living organisms and their surroundings.
Community in Ecology
- A community in ecology refers to a group of different species living together in a specific geographic area, interacting with each other and their environment.
Niche in Ecology
- A niche refers to the unique role or position of an organism within its environment, including its specific needs, requirements, and relationships with other species.
Microhabitat in Ecology
- A microhabitat is a small, specific area within a habitat that provides a unique set of conditions, such as temperature, humidity, or light, which support a particular species or group of species.
Organism's Niche Description
- An organism's niche can be described by its specific requirements, such as diet, temperature tolerance, and habitat preferences, which distinguish it from other species.
Ecosystem Role
- An ecosystem plays a crucial role in ecology by providing a dynamic and interconnected system where living organisms interact with each other and their environment, shaping their shared habitat.
Test your knowledge about ecosystems and ecology with this quiz! Learn about the interactions between organisms and their environment, the distribution and abundance of organisms, and the concept of ecology as the study of living things in their home environment.
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