1. And other types of interactions among organisms
Symbiosis
And other types of interactions among organisms

2. Ecosystems Abiotic (non-living) and biotic
(living) factors work together to
create an ecosystem
The area in which an organism
lives is called its habitat
In its habitat each organism needs to fill a different role
The way an organism uses and affects the resources within its habitat are its niche, which includes
What the organism eats
What eats it
Resources the organism uses or creates
Physical conditions needed for that organism to survive
How it reproduces
Any relationships it has with other organisms

3. Niche
Niches help reduce competition, but competition will still exist because some aspects of the niche will overlap other organisms niches
There are many niches in one habitat because of the diversity of life that exists there
Each species fills a different niche, if two species filled exactly the same role there would be competition.
One specie would be slightly more successful causing the other specie to die off.
Other factors can cause a population to decline as well . . .

4. Competition
Any resource that affects an organisms growth, size, species population, or distribution is considered a limiting factor
This is because if that resource is taken away or added that organism or population will suffer
Limiting factors can affect organisms on an individual level or at the population level

5. Competition
Members of different species may compete for food, space, and prey on one another.
Members of the same species will compete with one another for food, but they may also compete over living space, and mates.
Organisms that get food and living space are more likely to find a mate and pass on their favorable traits; this leads to adaptation because of natural selection

6. Adaptations
The favorable traits that are passed on cause organisms to become better adapted to their environments (evolution)
Any trait that helps an organism survive is an adaptation
Some examples are . . .
Camouflage
Mimicry
Self-defense
Etc . . .

7. Symbiosis
Symbiosis – relationship in which two species live very closely together
Mutualism – when both species benefit from their relationship
Parasitism – when one species benefits and the other species is harmed in the relationship
Commensalism – when one organism benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefitting