Question | Answer |
An autotrophic organism that serves as a source of food for other organisms in a food chain. Producers include green plants, which produce food through photosynthesis, and certain bacteria that are capable of converting inorganic substances into food. | Producer |
The science of life and of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution. Botany, zoology, and ecology are all branches of biology. | Biology |
A system involving the interactions between a community of living organisms in a particular area and its nonliving environment. | Ecosystem |
A close association between two or more different organisms of different species that may, but does not necessarily, benefit each member. | Symbiotic |
An association between organisms of two different species in which each member benefits. | Mutualism |
A heterotrophic organism that feeds on other organisms in a food chain. Herbivores that feed on green plants and detritivores that feed on decaying matter are called primary consumers. | Consumer |
The scientific study of the relationships between living things and their environments. | Ecology |
The process by which organisms exchange gases, especially oxygen and carbon dioxide, with the environment. In air-breathing vertebrates, respiration takes place in the lungs. In fish and many invertebrates, respiration takes place through the gills. | Respiration |
An animal or plant that lives in or on another (the host) from which it obtains nourishment. The host does not benefit from the association and is often harmed by it. | Parasitic/Parasite |
Relating to two or more plants or animals dependent on each other. | Interdependency |
An organism, often a bacteria or fungus, that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter, thus making organic nutrients available to the ecosystem. | Decomposer |
A group of individuals of the same species inhabiting a given area. | Population |