Edexcel A Level (IAL) Biology -5.11 Ecology: Key Terms- Study Notes- New Syllabus
Edexcel A Level (IAL) Biology -5.11 Ecology: Key Terms- Study Notes- New syllabus
Edexcel A Level (IAL) Biology -5.11 Ecology: Key Terms- Study Notes -Edexcel A level Biology – per latest Syllabus.
Key Concepts:
- 5.11 understand what is meant by the terms population, community, habitat and ecosystem
Key Ecological Terms: Population, Community, Habitat, Ecosystem
🧬 Population
A population means all individuals of the same species living in one place at the same time.
- They can interbreed.
- They share the same resources like food and space.
Example: All deer in a particular forest area.
Memory tip: Pop = Same species group.
🌳 Community
A community includes all the different populations living together in the same area.
- It includes many species.
- They interact (competition, predation, etc.).
Example: Deer, tigers, grass, insects and birds living in the same forest together.
Memory tip: Community = Many populations together.
🏡 Habitat
A habitat is the place where an organism lives.
- Provides food, water, shelter and suitable conditions.
- Different species have different habitats.
Example: Frogs live in ponds; cactus plants live in deserts.
Memory tip: Habitat = Home.
🌏 Ecosystem
An ecosystem is all the living organisms (community) + the non living environment interacting together.
- Includes organisms, soil, water, climate, nutrients.
- Energy flows and materials cycle within an ecosystem.
Example: A pond ecosystem includes fish, plants, insects, microbes, water, light, nutrients.
Memory tip: Eco = Living + Non living.
📌 Summary Table
| Term | Meaning | Includes | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | Same species in one area | Individuals of one species | All rabbits in a meadow |
| Community | All populations in an area | Many species | Forest community |
| Habitat | Place where an organism lives | Physical environment | Pond for frogs |
| Ecosystem | Community plus non living components | Living and non living | Pond ecosystem |
Population: One species, one place.
Community: Many species living together.
Habitat: Home of an organism.
Ecosystem: Living + non living interacting.