From your knowledge of ecology, explain the following terms: (a) Biotic factor - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 2 - 2018

A habitat is the natural environment in which an organism (either a plant or animal) lives. It provides the necessary conditions for an organism's survival, including food, water, and shelter. The habitat can vary widely from forests, oceans, to deserts.

In ecology, a community refers to all the different species that live and interact in a specific area or ecosystem. This includes the relationships established between species, such as predation, competition, and symbiosis.

A population is defined as all the organisms of a particular species that live in a specific area at a given time. Populations are characterized by their size, density, and distribution, as well as their interactions with the environment.

A niche refers to the role or function of an organism within its ecosystem, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other organisms. It encompasses how an organism survives, obtains resources, and contributes to the energy flow and matter cycling in the ecosystem.

The biosphere is the global sum of all ecosystems. It represents the zones of life on Earth, including land (terrestrial), water (aquatic), and the atmosphere. It is the part of the Earth where living organisms exist, along with the environments they inhabit.

A qualitative survey is a research method used to gather non-numerical data to understand the presence or absence of species within a given area. This method often involves observations, interviews, and descriptions rather than quantitative measures, helping to assess biodiversity and habitat quality.