APES Cram Notes

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43 Terms

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Ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

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Biotic Factors

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

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Abiotic Factors

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

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Energy Flow

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

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Food Web vs. Food Chain

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

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Biome

Large geographically distinct areas with specific climates and ecosystems.

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Tropical Rainforest

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

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Desert

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

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Tundra

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

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Temperate Forest

A biome characterized by four seasons and deciduous trees.

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Savanna

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

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Grasslands

Flat areas with few trees and moderate rainfall.

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Species Diversity

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

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Genetic Diversity

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

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Ecosystem Diversity

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

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Keystone Species

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

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Biodiversity Loss

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

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Habitat Loss

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

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Overexploitation

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

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Invasive Species

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

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Climate Change

Alterations in habitat conditions or temperature that affect species survival.

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Water Cycle

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

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Photosynthesis

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

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Carbon Cycle

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

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Nitrogen Fixation

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

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Phosphorus Cycle

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

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Air Pollution

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

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Acid Rain

Rainfall that has been acidified by pollutants, harming ecosystems.

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Ozone Depletion

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

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Water Pollution

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

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Land Pollution

Soil contamination caused by waste disposal and illegal dumping.

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Global Warming

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

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Deforestation

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

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Habitat Fragmentation

The division of larger habitats into smaller, isolated patches.

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Overfishing

The depletion of fish populations due to excessive fishing practices.

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Sustainable Development

Balancing human needs with environmental health for future resource availability.

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Renewable Resources

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

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Nonrenewable Resources

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

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Conservation

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

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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

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

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Clean Water Act

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

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Endangered Species Act

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

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Kyoto Protocol/Paris Agreement

International agreements aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.