Ecology

From ZuluNotes - Free Leaving Cert Notes

Definitions

• Ecology - The scientific study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment

• Biosphere - the part of the earth occupied by organisms. it extends from the bottom of the oceans to the upper atmosphere. It is a relatively thin band compared to the total size of the earth and the atmosphere

• Habitat - the part of an ecosystem where individual organisms live

• Ecosystem - a definable area containing a self - sustained community of organisms interacting with their non living environment. e.g. pond, seashore, woodland ecosystems

• Niche - decribes the role of an organism in an ecosystem. It shows how as well as where an organisms lives.