An ecosystem is the interaction of a community of living organisms (biotic) with the non-living (abiotic) parts of their environment.
Key terms:
Population — all organisms of one species in an area
Community — all populations of different species in an area
Habitat — the place where an organism lives
Niche — the role an organism plays in its ecosystem
Organisms within a community are interdependent. This means that different species rely on each other for essential resources, contributing to the balance of the ecosystem. Examples of interdependence include:
Pollination: Many plants rely on insects or other animals to transfer pollen, enabling reproduction.
Seed dispersal: Some plants depend on animals to eat their fruits and disperse their seeds in new locations.
Shelter: Certain animals use plants for shelter or nesting sites.
Food chains: All organisms are part of food chains, where they rely on other organisms for sustenance.
Organisms compete for resources: animals compete for food, territory, and mates; plants compete for light, water, minerals, and space.