1. Ecosystem Voc 2 Fifth Grade 2010-2011

2. Omnivores- animals that eat both plants and other animals, ex. humans, raccoons, ants Competition- the struggle among organisms, both of the same and of different species, for food, space, and other vital requirements Community- where several populations interact Niche- the role of an organism within its natural environment that determines its relations with other organisms and ensures its survival Fungi- one of the five kingdoms of life, decomposers, microscope reveals fibers and sporangia (round masses of developing spores) ex. – mushrooms, molds, yeast

3. Domesticated- in and around the home; often cannot survive in the wild; used by people for food, decoration, companionship, etc. – ex. pets, livestock, houseplants Habitat- the natural environment of an organism Natural resources- a naturally occurring material, e.g. coal or wood, that can be exploited by people Herbivores- animals that eat only plants Food Web- similar to a food chain, but more complex; branches show all of the nutritional relationships for an entire ecosystem; can demonstrate the balance of an ecosystem

4. Environment- the air, water, minerals, organisms, and all other external factors surrounding and affecting a given organism at any time. Native- evolved as part of the local ecosystem Kingdom- the broadest category of organisms, there are five kingdoms: bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, animals Cooperation- mutually beneficial interaction among organisms living in a limited area Food chain- shows a linear progression of “who eats whom,” the flow of nutrients and energy through an ecosystem; arrows point from what is eaten to the eater (ex. carrot => bunny)

5. Invertebrates- an animal that does not have a backbone, e.g. an insect or worm Biotic- ex. producers, consumers, decomposers Carbon Dioxide- CO2, a basic nutrient, required by plants for photosynthesis, also a product of decomposition Biome- where several habitats intersect Adaptations- Characteristics that help an organism survive in a particular ecosystem – ex. thorns, camouflage