Ecology Overview

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts in ecology from the lecture notes.

Ecology

The study of ecosystems and the interactions between organisms and their environment.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components of an ecosystem such as rocks, minerals, water, and gases.

Biotic Factors

Living components of an ecosystem including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems such as water purification, erosion control, and food production.

Biodiversity

The variety of living organisms in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully.

Population

A group of organisms of the same species living in a specific area.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place that can impact ecosystems.

Optimal Range

The range of conditions under which a species or organism can thrive.