Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the ecology and biosphere lecture.

Ecology

The study of how organisms interact with each other and their environments.

Biome

Major habitat types determined by both biotic and abiotic factors.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Dispersal

The movement of individuals to new areas.

Biotic Factors

Factors that are related to living organisms, such as predators, prey, and parasites.

Abiotic Factors

Physical and chemical factors that affect organisms, such as temperature, light, and water.

Ecosystem

A community of organisms in an area and the physical factors with which those organisms interact.

Physiological Tolerances

Limits on the distribution of a species based on its ability to withstand physical and chemical factors.

Community

Groups of populations that interact with each other.

Ecotone

An area of transition between two biological communities.