Ecology

Cold and dry region. Near the poles.

competition between different species Ex: leopards and lions in sub-Saharan Africa competing for prey

an organism that eats other organisms for energy;

close relationship between two organisms where one organism benefits (parasite) and the other is harmed (host). Ex: fleas and dogs

Factors in an ecosystem which are or once were living Ex: plants, animals, dead tree leaves

an organism at the top of the food chain with little or no natural enemies mountain lion

The reaction requires sunlight. Photosynthesis converts light into chemical energy.

An area with moderate temperatures and precipitation

competition between members of the same species Ex: two male bighorn sheep fighting for a mate

An area with cool to cold temperatures and moderate precipitation

The number of different types of species in an area

an organism in a food chain that eats secondary consumers. May be omnivores or carnivores. Ex: bear or snake

what an organism eats determines its food chain position. Ex: primary consumer

Population growth slows after reaching carrying capacity. Insufficient supplies cause this.

an organism in a food chain that eats primary consumers. May be omnivores or carnivores. Ex: lizard

Species that balance other populations by devouring omnivores. Ex; starfish in a kelp forest

Species depend on each other for food, protection, competition, working together, and a process called symbiosis.

This is the part of photosynthesis where sugar is made from carbon dioxide.

a small group of interacting species a group of humans, along with their dogs, cats, trees, etc.

The only place on Earth where life can be found. It goes from the bottom of the seas all the way up to the sky.

Reactions that can occur without light being present

explain how overlapping food chains in an ecosystem transfer energy.

close relationship between two organisms where both organisms benefit from the relationship. bees and flowers

An area with extreme temperatures and little to no precipitation (less than 10 inches of rain a year)