Ecology AI Sheets Summary

Biosphere

Represents all parts of Earth where life exists, composed of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems.

Species Definition

A species is a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size an environment can sustain, determined by resource availability.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living factors such as temperature, sunlight, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and soil texture that influence species distributions.

Niche

An ecological niche encompasses the biotic and abiotic conditions necessary for a species' survival.

Community

A community consists of interacting populations within an ecosystem.

Ecosystem Dynamics

Ecosystems are open systems where energy and matter flow in and out.

Keystone Species

Species that play a critical role in maintaining community structure; their removal can lead to significant ecological changes.

Trophic Levels

Stages in a food chain where carbon compounds and energy are passed from one organism to another.

Photosynthesis

The process that converts light energy into chemical energy in glucose, which can be stored by autotrophs.

Cellular Respiration

The process that releases energy from glucose for cellular activities.

Ecological Pyramids

Visual representations of relative numbers, biomass, or energy at different trophic levels in ecosystems.

Biogeochemical Cycles

Cycles that ensure the availability of chemical elements to living organisms, influenced by human impacts.

Primary Succession

The replacement of one community by another over time on newly formed substratum where there is no soil.

Secondary Succession

Occurs on bare soil where there has been a pre-existing community, such as after fire or agricultural cessation.

Ecosystem Resilience

An ecosystem's capacity to tolerate disturbances and maintain equilibrium depends on its diversity and resilience.

Climate

Describes atmospheric conditions over long periods, influencing the distribution of biomes.

Global Warming

A phenomenon leading to changing climates and shifts in biomes.

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Processes that transform energy and matter, with photosynthesis converting light energy to chemical energy, and respiration breaking down glucose.

Capture-Recapture Method

Estimates population size for mobile organisms using a specific formula involving marked individuals.

Sustainability

The ability of ecosystems to maintain a balance between inputs and outputs crucial for long-term stability.