Keystone species

an organism that plays a unique an crucial role in the way an ecosystem functions

Ecosystem

the living organisms and the environment with which they interact

habitat

the natural environment where an organism lives

niche

the role of a species within an ecosystem

species

a group of similar organisms that can interbreed naturally to produce fertile offspring

population

all the individuals of the same species that live at the same place and time

biotic factors

the living parts of an ecosystem, which includes the organisms and their effects on each other

frame quadrat

a plastic or metal square that sets a standard unit of area for study of the distribution of marine organisms

transect

a rope or tape marked at regular intervals that sets standard distances for study of the distribution of marine organisms

line transect

a sampling method involving counting of species that touch the intersect

belt transect

a sampling method involving counting of species in frame quadrats placed adjacent to the transect