Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to ecology and biomes from the lecture notes.

Biome

A major community of plants and animals defined by geographic and climatic conditions.

Tundra

A cold, treeless region found in the Arctic, characterized by low vegetation and permafrost.

Savanna

A mixed grassland ecosystem characterized by the trees being sufficiently small or widely spaced apart so that the canopy does not close.

Chaparral

A biome consisting of densely growing scrub oak and other drought-resistant plants, adapted to periodic fires.

Wetland

A land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, creating a distinct ecosystem.

Estuary

A transitional area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

Coral Reef

Underwater ecosystems formed from calcium carbonate skeletons of corals, known for high biodiversity.

Aquatic Biome

A biome that includes freshwater and marine environments.

Limnology

The study of inland waters, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Plankton

Small organisms that float in water and are a vital part of aquatic food webs.

What is a biome?

A major community of plants and animals defined by geographic and climatic conditions.

What characterizes the tundra biome?

A cold, treeless region found in the Arctic, characterized by low vegetation and permafrost.

Describe a savanna.

A mixed grassland ecosystem characterized by the trees being sufficiently small or widely spaced apart so that the canopy does not close.

What is the chaparral biome?

A biome consisting of densely growing scrub oak and other drought-resistant plants, adapted to periodic fires.

Define wetland.

A land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, creating a distinct ecosystem.