APES Cram Notes

Ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Biotic Factors

Living components of an ecosystem, such as plants and animals.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as water, temperature, and soil.

Energy Flow

The transfer of energy from sunlight to producers, consumers, and decomposers in an ecosystem.

Food Web vs. Food Chain

A food chain shows one path of energy, while a food web shows multiple paths.

Biome

Large geographically distinct areas with specific climates and ecosystems.

Tropical Rainforest

A biome that is warm and wet year-round with high biodiversity.

Desert

A biome that is dry with extreme temperature variation and few organisms.

Tundra

A biome that is cold with little precipitation, low biodiversity, and permafrost.

Temperate Forest

A biome characterized by four seasons and deciduous trees.

Savanna

A biome that consists of grasslands with scattered trees and seasonal rainfall.

Grasslands

Flat areas with few trees and moderate rainfall.

Species Diversity

The variety of different species in an area, crucial for ecosystem health.

Genetic Diversity

The variety of genes within a species that allows for adaptation and resilience.

Ecosystem Diversity

The variety of ecosystems in a region, such as forests and wetlands.

Keystone Species

A species whose role in the ecosystem is disproportionately large compared to its abundance.

Biodiversity Loss

The reduction of biodiversity due to factors like habitat loss and climate change.

Habitat Loss

Destruction or alteration of habitats, often due to human activities.

Overexploitation

The excessive use of species, such as overhunting or overfishing.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species.

Climate Change

Alterations in habitat conditions or temperature that affect species survival.

Water Cycle

The continuous process of water movement through evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants absorb carbon dioxide and turn it into glucose.

Carbon Cycle

The process of carbon exchange between living organisms and the environment.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.

Phosphorus Cycle

The slow cycle of phosphorus through soil, water, and living organisms, without an atmospheric component.

Air Pollution

The presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, often from fossil fuel burning.

Acid Rain

Rainfall that has been acidified by pollutants, harming ecosystems.

Ozone Depletion

The thinning of the ozone layer due to substances like chlorofluorocarbons.

Water Pollution

Contamination of water bodies due to pollutants, such as nutrient runoff and plastics.

Land Pollution

Soil contamination caused by waste disposal and illegal dumping.

Global Warming

The increase in Earth's average temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions.

Deforestation

The large-scale removal of trees, impacting biodiversity and carbon levels.

Habitat Fragmentation

The division of larger habitats into smaller, isolated patches.

Overfishing

The depletion of fish populations due to excessive fishing practices.

Sustainable Development

Balancing human needs with environmental health for future resource availability.

Renewable Resources

Resources that can be replenished naturally, such as solar and wind energy.

Nonrenewable Resources

Resources that cannot be replaced within a human timescale, like coal and oil.

Conservation

The protection of ecosystems and reduction of waste to sustain resources.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

A U.S. government agency focused on environmental and public health protection.

Clean Water Act

Federal law regulating discharges into U.S. waters to ensure water quality.

Endangered Species Act

A law that protects species at risk of extinction and conserves their habitats.

Kyoto Protocol/Paris Agreement

International agreements aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.