ecosystem definition

Abiotic components

Non-living environmental factors that
have influence over the ecosystem (e.g.
climate, light exposure, soil type)

Biome

Also known as a global-scale ecosystem;
a large, distinct region of the Earth with
similar climate, soil, plants and animals.

Biotic components

Living organisms that interact with the environment and other organisms within
an ecosystem

Coniferous forest biome

A biome located at high latitudes,characterised by conifer trees and a cold
climate.

Consumers

Organisms that receive energy from consuming (i.e. eating) living organisms.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down organic
material and release the nutrients back
into the ecosystem.

Desert biome

A biome located around 30° north and
south of the equator, characterised by
extremely low precipitation levels and
extreme daily temperature fluctuations.

Ecosystem

A natural system in which a community
of plants and animals interact with each
other and their physical environment.

Eutrophication

The growth of algae in a body of water
due to excess nutrients, leading to the
depletion of oxygen in an aquatic
ecosystem.

Food chain

A linear relationship showing the biotic
interactions within an ecosystem, from a
producer to a final consumer.

Food web

A representation of the interactions
between multiple producers and
consumers within a specific ecosystem,
shown through a series of different food
webs.

Mediterranean biome

A biome located 40-45° north of the
equator (and in isolated spots south of
the equator), characterised by mild,
moist winters and hot, dry summers

Nutrient cycling

The transfer of nutrients through an
ecosystem, from the decay of organic
material into the production and energy
of living organisms.

Producers

Organisms that convert energy from the
environment (mainly sunlight) into sugars
(glucose).

Savanna biome

A biome located around 15-30° north and
south of the equator, characterised by
high temperatures, very dry summers
and very wet winters.

Temperate deciduous forest biome

A biome located around 40-50° north and
south of the equator, characterised by
deciduous trees (trees that shed their
leaves) and moderate precipitation.

Temperate grassland biome

A biome located in non-coastal areas
around 30-40° north and south of the
equator, characterised by low
precipitation and grasses as the major
vegetation.

Tropical rainforest biome

A biome located near the equator,
characterised by very high precipitation
and sustained warm temperatures.

Tundra biome

A biome located in the far northern
hemisphere, characterised by very cold
conditions and permanently frozen soils.