Adaptations to Environment IB Biology HL

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to adaptations, ecosystems, and ecological principles as discussed in IB Biology HL.

Adaptation

A characteristic or trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Habitat

The place in which a community, species, population, or organism lives.

Abiotic factors

Non-living chemical and physical components of the environment that affect ecosystems.

Range of tolerance

The range of values of a particular abiotic factor that a species can tolerate.

Transpiration

The process of water vapor being released from plant leaves through stomata.

Stomata

Pores found on the leaves of plants that allow for gas exchange.

Rhizomes

Underground horizontal stems that allow for asexual reproduction in plants.

Photosynthesis

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

Mangrove trees

Tropical trees that grow in coastal intertidal zones and have adaptations such as prop roots.

Eutrophication

The process of nutrient enrichment in water bodies, leading to excessive growth of algae.

Biomes

Large geographical biotic communities, such as tropical rainforests and deserts, defined by their climate and ecosystems.

Thermophilic bacteria

Bacteria that thrive in extremely hot environments, often found in hot springs.

Ecological niche

The role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

Competitive exclusion principle

The principle stating that two species competing for the same resource cannot coexist at constant population values.

Mutualism

A type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit.

Photosynthetic autotrophs

Organisms that can produce their own food through the process of photosynthesis.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms, returning nutrients to the soil.

Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY)

The maximum rate at which a renewable resource can be exploited without compromising its future availability.