Competition in Ecosystems MS-LS2-4

Grade 7 - NGSS - CA

A nonliving part of the environment, like water, light or temperature

Abiotic factor

A nonliving part of the environment, like water, light or temperature. Abiotic factor. An abiotic factor is something nonliving that affects living organisms in an ecosystem, like sunlight or temperature.

A living factor in the environment, like plants or animals

Biotic factor

A living factor in the environment, like plants or animals, is called a biotic factor. In simple terms, a biotic factor is any living part of an ecosystem, such as a plant or animal, that affects other living things.

The largest population that an environment can support

Carrying capacity

The largest population that an environment can support. Carrying capacity. Carrying capacity is the maximum number of living things an area can support without harming the environment.

The struggle between two or more living things for the same limited resource

Competition

The struggle between two or more living things for the same limited resource. Competition. In ecosystems, competition is when animals or plants try to get resources like food, water, or space that are limited.

All the living and nonliving things interacting in an area

Ecosystem

All the living and nonliving things interacting in an area. Ecosystem. An ecosystem is a community where animals, plants, and their environment work together.

An environmental factor that limits population growth, for example, a drought

Limiting factor

An environmental factor that limits population growth, for example, a drought, is a limiting factor. A limiting factor is something in the environment that controls how big a population can get.

An interaction where one organism kills another for food

Predation

An interaction where one organism kills another for food. Predation. Predation is when an animal hunts and eats another animal for survival.