Ecosystems and competition

• What is an individual in ecological terms?

  A single organism
• Define a species.

  A group of similar organisms that can interbreed
• What is a habitat?

  The place where an organism lives
• What is a population?

  All organisms of one species in a habitat
• Define a community in ecological terms.

  All organisms of different species living in a habitat
• What is an ecosystem?

  A community of organisms and non-living conditions
• What are the levels of organisation in an ecosystem?

  • Individual
  • Population
  • Community
  • Ecosystem
• What is the smallest level of organisation in an ecosystem?

  Individual organism
• How do populations relate to communities?

  Several populations make up a community
• What do individual organisms make up?

  A population
• What is the biggest level of organisation in an ecosystem?

  The ecosystem
• Why do organisms need resources?

  To survive and reproduce
• What resources do plants need?

  Light, space, water, and minerals
• What resources do animals need?

  Space, food, water, and mates
• Who do organisms compete with for resources?

  Other species and their own species
• What happens when two species compete for the same resources?

  One species may outcompete the other
• Why is the population of red squirrels decreasing?

  Grey squirrels outcompete them for resources
• What are the key resources organisms compete for?

  • Food
  • Water
  • Space
  • Mates
• What should you know for the exam regarding populations, communities, and ecosystems?

  The differences between them
• What is the smallest level of organisation within an ecosystem?

  Individual organism
• Name two things that animals might compete for.

  Food and mates