Ecology Crossword

3. below the photic zone where photosynthesis cannot occur
6. an assemblage of different populations that live together in a defined area is a
7. all the organisms that live in a place, together with their physical environment are known as
9. foundation of most aquatic ecosystems
10. any living part of the environment with which an organism might interact
12. a group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring
13. short-term changes in temperature, precipitation, clouds, and wind from day to day or minute to minute
16. any nonliving part of the environment
17. a material formed from decaying leaves and other organic matter
18. all the "solid stuff" like rocks, continents and the ocean floor

1. patterns and averages of temperature, precipitation, clouds, and wind over many years
2. the study of nature's "houses," the organisms that live in those houses, and their interactions
4. the sunlit region near the surface of the ocean where photosynthesis can occur
5. the phenomenon where, like a greenhouse, gases allow visible light to enter, but trap heat, controlling the Earth's average temperature
8. all parts of Earth in which life exists
9. a group of individuals that belong to the same species and live in the same area
11. a wetland formed where a river meets the sea
14. all of Earth's freshwater and saltwater including the water in the atmosphere and underground or in ice
15. an environment that consists of unique abiotic and biotic factors