Ecological Terms

Ecological terms	Definition	Other stuff
Habitat	A natural environment where an organism lives.	It provides both plants and animals basic resources of life. E.g. Food, shelter, nesting and breeding sites
Species	A group of organisms that: ·         Look alike ·         Have similar characteristics ·         Share the same ecological niche ·         Capable of interbreeding ·         Produce fertile offspring (Fertile offspring are offspring of parents which can continue to reproduce. Infertile offspring cannot reproduce. )	E.g. Duckweeds and waterlilies are different species of water plants.
Population	A group of organisms of the same species living at the same habitat at the same time.	Individuals of a population ·         Rely on the same resources ·         Affected by similar environmental factors
Community	A natural collection of plant and animal species living within a defined area/habitat in an ecosystem.	Their members are independent and interact with each other. Population and distribution of species in a community will be affected if 1 population changes.
Niche	The function/role an organism plays in an ecosystem.	Including ·         Habitat ·         Types of food consumed ·         Range of tolerable temperatures ·         Space occupied May compass what the organism eats, how it interacts with the non-living, or abiotic, parts of the environment as well.

Sources and References

Gan Wan Yeat. Success SPM Biology. Shah Alam : Oxfard Fajar Sdn. Bhd.

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