IB Biology Sub-topic C4.1 Definitions

This page contains our IB Biology definitions for sub-topic C4.1. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Biology 'Populations & communities'.
autotroph

Species that obtain their food by producing organic compounds from inorganic compounds

biotic

The component of an environment that is alive

community

The population of different species living together and interacting in a single area

consumer

A heterotroph that obtains nutrients by digesting other organisms

detritivore

A heterotroph that obtains nutrients from detritus via internal digestion

ecosystem

The interaction of a community with its abiotic environment

food web

A diagram that describes the complex feeding networks within a community

hetertroph

Species that obtain their food by consuming other organisms

mesocosm

An artificial mini-ecosystem

quadrat sampling

A data sampling method that is used to view the relationship between organisms by sampling random square areas and recording the presence or absence of organisms or the number of individuals

saprotroph

A heterotroph that obtains nutrients from dead organisms via external digestion

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