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3.1 and 3.2
Term | Definition |
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Biosphere | Part of Earth in which life exists including land, water, and air or atmosphere |
Species | A group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring |
Population | Group of individuals of the same species that live in the same area |
Community | Assemblage of different populations that live together in a defined area |
Ecology | Scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment |
Ecosystem | All the organisms that live in a place, together with their nonliving environment |
Biome | A group of ecosystems that share similar climates and typical organisms |
Biotic Factor | Any living part of the environment with which an organism might interact |
Abiotic Factor | Physical, or nonliving, factor that shapes an ecosystem |
Autotroph | Organism that is able to capture energy from sunlight or chemicals and use it to produce its own food from inorganic compounds; also called a producer |
Primary Producer | First producer of energy-rich compounds that are later used by other organisms |
Photosynthesis | Process used by plants and other autotrophs to capture light energy and use it to power chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy-rich carbohydrates such as sugars and starches |
Chemosynthesis | Process in which chemical energy is used to produce carbohydrates |
Heterotroph | Organism that obtains food by consuming other living things; also called a consumer |
Consumer | Organism that relies on other organisms for its energy and food supply; also called a heterotroph |
Carnivore | Organism that obtains energy by eating animals |
Herbivore | Organism that obtains energy by eating only plants |
Scavenger | Animal that consumes the carcasses of other animals |
Omnivore | Organism that obtains energy by eating both plants and animals |
Decomposer | Organism that breaks down and obtains energy from dead organic matter |
Detritivore | Organism that feeds on plant and animal remains and other dead matter |