Dictionary of Ecology

Dictionary of Ecology

"Ecological Niche: A style of life that is unique to a species of plant or animal. A species niche includes its place in the food chain, relationships with the other species in its habitat, habitat requirements, special adaptations to life in the ecosystem, and daily and seasonal periods of activity. Only one species can occupy a niche at a time.

"Ecology: The study of how all plants and animals interact with each other in their non-living environment.

"Ecosystem: The living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) parts of the environment. The ecosystem includes plant and animal communities along with factors such as climate, altitude, temperature, moisture, light, and the chemical cycles.

"Environment: All the external factors to which an organism is exposed. Includes all abiotic and biotic factors that may influence the organism."