Ecological Systems Vocabulary

a biological community of interacting organisms and their environment

“Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.”

Origin: Greek oikos (house) + system

involving interaction between two different organisms living in close association

“Bees and flowers have a symbiotic relationship.”

Origin: Greek symbiōtikos, from symbioun (to live together)

native and restricted to a certain place

“Many endemic species are found only in Madagascar.”

Origin: Greek endēmos, from en (in) + dēmos (people)

originating or occurring naturally in a particular place

“Indigenous plants require less water than imported species.”

Origin: Latin indigena (native), from indu (in) + gignere (to beget)

the variety of plant and animal life in an environment

“The rainforest's biodiversity is unmatched anywhere on Earth.”

Origin: Greek bios (life) + Latin diversitas (variety)

a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna

“The tundra biome is characterized by permafrost and low temperatures.”

Origin: Greek bios (life) + -ome (mass, group)

the natural home or environment of an organism

“Deforestation destroys the habitat of countless species.”

Origin: Latin habitare (to dwell, inhabit)

a position or role within an ecosystem

“Each species occupies a specific ecological niche.”

Origin: French niche (recess), from Latin nidus (nest)

a state of balance between opposing forces

“Ecosystems maintain a delicate equilibrium.”

Origin: Latin aequilibrium, from aequi (equal) + libra (balance)

the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium

“The body maintains homeostasis through various feedback mechanisms.”

Origin: Greek homoios (similar) + stasis (standing still)