natural selection
A process in which individuals that have certain inherited traits tend to survive and reproduce at higher rates than other individuals because of those traits.
adaptions
the behaviors and physical characteristics that allow organisms to live successfully in their environments
niche
An organism's particular role in an ecosystem, or how it makes its living.
competition
the struggle between organisms to survive in a habitat with limited resources
predation
An interaction in which one organism kills another for food.
predator
An animal that hunts other animals for food
prey
Animal hunted or caught for food
Symbiosis
A close relationship between two species that benefits at least one of the species.
mutualism
A relationship between two species in which both species benefit
Commensalism
A relationship between two organisms in which one organism benefits and the other is unaffected
Parasitism
A relationship between two organisms of different species where one benefits and the other is harmed
parasite
An organism that feeds on a living host
host
An organism on which a parasite lives.
mutation
A change in a gene or chromosome.
scientific theory
a well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations
Overproduction
A condition in which production of goods exceeds the demand for them
Variation
Any difference between individuals of the same species.