Ecosystem Roles
Organisms that make their own food using sunlight.
Producers
When two organisms fight for the same limited resource.
Competition
A group of the same species living in the same area.
Population
The variety of living organisms in an area.
Biodiversity
Too many nutrients in water causing algae growth.
Eutrophication
Organisms that break down dead plants and animals.
Decomposers
A relationship where organisms depend on each other for survival.
Interdependence
The maximum number of organisms an environment can support.
Carrying capacity
This type of species is not native and harms ecosystems.
Invasive species
Water with little or no oxygen.
Anoxic conditions
Organisms that must eat other organisms to get energy.
Consumers
If two species eat the same food source, they will most likely experience this.
Competition
When the birth rate and death rate are about the same.
Population equilibrium
Removing invasive species usually has this effect on biodiversity.
Increases biodiversity
Warm ocean waters in the Pacific that change global weather patterns.
El Niño
An organism that eats algae by filtering water through its gills.
Mussel (filter feeder)
When a predator hunts and eats another organism.
Predation
When a population grows quickly at first and then levels off.
Logistic growth
A severe lack of rain that can decrease biodiversity.
Drought
A large oil spill would most likely have this effect on biodiversity.
Decrease biodiversity
A major nutrient that can cause algae blooms in lakes.
Nitrogen or phosphorus
When organisms work together to hunt or protect themselves.
Group behavior
A pattern where predator and prey populations rise and fall over time.
Predator-prey cycle
A protected park or wildlife reserve helps biodiversity by doing this.
Protecting habitats
When dead algae are broken down and oxygen in the water decreases.
Decomposition leading to oxygen depletion