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8th gr Ecology
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| decomposer | organism that breaks down dead or decaying organisms; fungi, bacteria, and some insects |
| biodiversity | variety of life on Earth — the complexity and number of species in an environment |
| ecosystem | All of the biotic and abiotic parts of an area. |
| competition | the interaction between two organisms for the same resources within an environment |
| primary succession | ecological succession that begins in lifeless areas where there is no soil |
| secondary succession | occurs when a plant's life cycle is disrupted by an event that reduces the number of species in an established ecosystem |
| pioneer species | he first to colonize newly created environments or recently disturbed environments |
| climax community | the final stage of ecological succession with a stable, long lasting ecosystem of plants, animals, and fungi |
| invasive species | an organism that is not indigenous, or native, to a particular area; causes harm to native species |
| ecological succession | constant replacement of one community by another; primary and secondary succession |
| sustainability | the ability of an ecosystem to maintain long-term stability |
| native species | living organisms that naturally exists in a particular area |