Ecology Terminology

&Concepts

Linda SuttonMay 13, 2015

Niche: an organisms role in the environment

- Birds eat insects, spread seeds, food for other organisms- Insects pollinate plants, reduce populations, food for amphibians & birds- Rabbits are food for other organisms- Wolves keep rodent and other populations in check

Keystone Species: a species that other species in the ecosystem depend on for existence- Elephants push down trees and build savannas- Creates grasslands for many other species

- Squirrels hide acorns - some are not gathered and grow into Oak trees- provide food and shelter for many species

- Hippos carve out watering holes- Provides water for other species

Habitat: where an organism lives, its home

Black Bears

-caves

-rock cliffs

-underground burrows

Owls-holes in trees

Trout- freshwater streams

Gestation Period: the length of time a female carries young while the young are developing

Toro, By Ross. "For How Long Are Animals Pregnant? (Infographic)."LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 23 Sept. 2011. Web. 13 May 2015.

"Curran, Thomas / NOTES: Natural Selection Key Components." Curran, Thomas / NOTES: Natural Selection Key Components. Warren Hills Regional High School, n.d. Web. 13 May 2015.

Natural Selection:

4 Main Points =environment naturally selects for organisms most fit to survive in it

"Flipper Fund." Earth Trust Program. Earth Trust Fund, n.d. Web. 12 May 2015.