Ecosystems and Communities
Science

A relationship where one species benefits but the other is neither helped nor harmed
Commensalism
A relationship where one species benefits but the other is neither helped nor harmed is called commensalism. In Science, commensalism describes an interaction where one organism benefits while the other isn't affected.

Two species cannot occupy the same niche in a habitat at the same time
Competitive exclusion
Two species cannot occupy the same niche in a habitat at the same time. Competitive exclusion. Competitive exclusion is when one species outcompetes another for resources, leading to the latter's decline or elimination.

A tree with seed-bearing cones that keeps its needles (leaves) all year, like a pine or redwood tree
Coniferous
A tree with seed-bearing cones that keeps its needles leaves all year, like a pine or redwood tree. Coniferous trees are plants that produce cones and have needle-like leaves that stay green year-round.

An environmental factor that limits population growth, for example, a drought
Limiting factor
An environmental factor that limits population growth, for example, a drought. Limiting factor. A limiting factor is a condition or resource that restricts the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population in an ecosystem.

The climate within a small area that differs from the surrounding climate
Microclimate
The climate within a small area that differs from the surrounding climate. Microclimate. It is a localized climate condition that can occur in areas like forests, cities, or gardens, affecting temperature, humidity, and wind patterns differently from the larger region around it.

In an ecosystem where the community is destroyed but the soil is not
Secondary succession
In an ecosystem where the community is destroyed but the soil is not. Secondary succession. Secondary succession is the process by which a damaged ecosystem recovers, starting with existing soil and small plants growing back first.