Ecosystems and Interactions of Living Things

Adaptation

A trait that helps an organism survive in its environment. Adaptation. In science, adaptation is the way plants and animals change over time to better fit their surroundings.

Community

Populations that live in the same habitat. Community. In science, a community is a group of different species that live together in the same area and interact with each other.

Ecosystem

All the living and nonliving things interacting in an area. Ecosystem. An ecosystem is a community where plants, animals, and the environment work together and affect each other.

Energy pyramid

The diagram of energy loss through a food chain. Energy pyramid. An energy pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the flow of energy at each trophic level in an ecosystem, with energy decreasing as it moves up the levels.

Food chain

The food energy transfer between organisms in an ecosystem. Food chain. A food chain shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem.

Food web

A model of overlapping food chains in an ecosystem. Food web. A food web is a network of interconnected food chains showing how energy moves through an ecosystem.

Habitat

The place where an organism lives habitat. A habitat is the natural environment where an organism finds food, shelter, and everything it needs to survive.

Niche

The role an animal or plant plays in its habitat. Niche. In science, a niche is like the "job" or "role" of a species in its environment, including how it gets food and interacts with other organisms.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make food is called photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is how plants make their own food using sunlight.

Population

All the organisms of the same species living in the same area. Population. In science, a population is a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.

Predator

An animal that hunts and eats other animals. Predator. Predators are animals that catch and consume other animals for food.

Prey

An animal hunted and eaten by a predator. Prey is an organism that is targeted and consumed by another organism for food.

Succession

The gradual changes to communities in an ecosystem. Succession. Succession is the natural process where ecosystems change and develop over time.

Symbiosis

The close relationship between organisms of different species. Symbiosis. Symbiosis is when different species live closely together and often help each other survive.