Flashcrad notes Ecology

Biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems, where life exists on Earth.

Dichotomous key

A tool used to identify organisms based on a series of choices that lead to the correct name.

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Genus

A rank in the biological classification (taxonomy) that groups species sharing common characteristics.

Niche

The role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem.

Mutualism

A type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

Parasitism

A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

Negative feedback

A response mechanism that counteracts a change to maintain stability in a system.

Carrying capacity

The maximum number of individuals an environment can sustainably support.

Quadrat sampling

A method used to study the distribution and abundance of organisms in an area using quadrats.

Lincoln index

A method for estimating wildlife populations by capturing, marking, and recapturing individuals.

Steady-state ecosystem

An ecosystem where the amounts of energy and biomass remain constant over time.

Biomass

The total mass of living matter within a specific area or volume.

Energy transformation

The process of changing energy from one form to another.

Detritivores

Organisms that feed on dead organic material, contributing to decomposition.

Saprotrophs

Organisms that obtain nutrients by decomposing organic matter.

Second law of thermodynamics

This law states that in any energy transfer, energy gets dispersed and transformed into less usable forms.

Trophic levels

The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, comprising producers, consumers, and decomposers.

Food web

A complex network of interlinking food chains in an ecosystem.

Gross productivity

The total amount of organic matter or energy produced in an ecosystem.

Net productivity

The amount of organic matter or energy remaining after accounting for respiration.

DDT

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, a pesticide known for its environmental impact.

PCB

Polychlorinated biphenyls, industrial chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.

Mercury

A heavy metal that can have toxic effects on living organisms, often found in polluted environments.

Bioaccumulation

The gradual buildup of substances, such as pesticides, in an organism.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of toxic substances in organisms at higher trophic levels.

Carbon sinks

Natural systems that absorb more carbon than they release.

Carbon sources

Processes or substances that release more carbon than they absorb.

Calcium carbonate

A chemical compound found in rocks and shells, significant for marine organisms.

Reforestation

The process of planting trees in an area where the forest has been depleted.

Carbon sequestration

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Ocean acidification

The decrease in pH levels of the ocean due to absorbing excess CO2.

Climate

The long-term average weather patterns in a particular area.

Tricellular model of atmospheric circulation

A model explaining the circulation of the atmosphere in three cells between the equator and poles.

Precipitation

Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface.

Latitude

The geographic coordinate that specifies north-south position on the Earth's surface.

Altitude

The height of an object or point in relation to sea level.

Zonation

The arrangement of different ecological communities in an ecosystem due to environmental gradients.

Biomes

Large geographic biotic units, categorized by their dominant vegetation and climate.

Line transect

A method used in ecology to assess the distribution of organisms across different environments.

Kite diagram

A graphical representation of plant or animal distribution along a transect.

Succession

The process by which ecosystems change over time, through stages leading to a stable community.

Sere

A sequence of stages in ecological succession.

Pioneer species

The first species to colonize previously disturbed or barren environments.

Tropical rainforest

A biome characterized by high rainfall and biodiversity, generally found near the equator.

Tundra

A cold, treeless biome with low-growing vegetation, found in polar regions.

Taiga

A biome characterized by coniferous forests, found in regions with cold climates.

Cellular respiration

The metabolic process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy.

Boreal forest

A biome characterized by coniferous forests, found in northern regions.

Temperate forest

A biome characterized by moderate temperatures and distinct seasons.

Microplastic

Small plastic particles less than 5mm in size that can pollute environments.

Grassland

A biome dominated by grasses rather than shrubs or trees.

Climax community

A stable, mature ecological community that undergoes little or no change.

Decomposition

The process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler organic or inorganic matter.

Biosphere

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

Species

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.