living organisms or organisms that have been alive at some point
Biotic
A biologist who developed theory of evolution of species (1859). He argued that all living species evolved into their present form through the ability to adapt in a struggle for survival.
Darwin
nonliving organisms/organisms that have never lived
Abiotic
each species produces more offspring than will survive to maturity.
overproduction
an organism that breaks down the cells of dead plants and animals into simple substances
Decomposers
A structural adaptation that enables an organism to blend in with its environment
camouflage
the overlapping of food chains in an ecosystem
Food web
the arrangement of organisms in an ecosystem, each species is the food of the next member of the chain. For example,
algae--snail--crayfish--fish--alligator
Food chain
Chain of islands near South America where Darwin developed his theory of natural selection by studying the unique life there.
Galapagos Islands