Appendix:Glossary of ecology

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This is a glossary of ecology.


Contents: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

C[edit]

commensal
An organism partaking in a commensal relationship.
commensalism
A sharing of the same environment by two organisms without specific harm or benefit to either.

E[edit]

ecosystem
A system formed by an ecological community and its environment that functions as a unit.

H[edit]

host
A cell or organism which harbors another organism or biological entity, usually a parasite.

M[edit]

mutualism
Any interaction between two species that benefits both; typically involves the exchange of substances or services.

N[edit]

niche
A function within an ecological system to which an organism is especially suited.

P[edit]

parasite
A (generally undesirable) living organism that exists by stealing the resources needed by another living organism.
parasitism
An interaction between two organisms, in which one organism (the parasite) benefits and the other (the host) is harmed

S[edit]

symbiote
An organism in a partnership with another such that each profits from their being together; a symbiont.
symbiosis
A close, prolonged association between two or more different organisms of different species that normally benefits both members.