Nitrogen and carbon cycle flashcards

Stability

The ability of an ecosystem to resist change and return to its original state over time.

Pig

An organism commonly found in ecosystems, known for its omnivorous diet and ability to adapt to various environmental conditions.

Feedback

A mechanism in which changes in one part of a system lead to changes in another part of the system, maintaining balance and stability.

Climate Change

The long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a specific location, often caused by human activities and resulting in significant environmental impacts.

Angle

A fresh perspective or approach within a system, often leading to new insights and innovative solutions.

Pioneer Community

The initial stage of succession in an ecosystem, consisting of organisms specially adapted to withstand harsh and extreme conditions, such as barren landscapes or recently formed volcanic islands.

Climax Community

The final stage of succession in an ecosystem, characterized by a stable and diverse community of organisms that have reached a state of equilibrium with their environment.

Secondary Succession

The process of ecological succession that occurs in an area previously inhabited but has been disturbed or destroyed, leading to the gradual reestablishment of a new community of organisms.

Wildfires

Fires that occur naturally or are intentionally set, playing a crucial role in ecosystem dynamics by promoting new growth, recycling nutrients, and maintaining biodiversity.

Deforestation

The widespread clearing of forests for human activities, such as agriculture, logging, or urbanization, resulting in habitat loss, soil erosion, and negative impacts on climate and biodiversity.

Plagioclimax

A human-managed stable community that disrupts or prevents the natural succession process from reaching its climax, often resulting from human intervention or land management practices.

Nitrogen Fixation

The biological process carried out by certain bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into a usable form, such as ammonia (NH3), which is essential for the growth of plants and other organisms.

Denitrification

The process by which certain bacteria convert nitrites to nitrogen gas (N2) in oxygen-limited (anaerobic) conditions, returning nitrogen to the atmosphere and completing the nitrogen cycle.

Autotrophs

Organisms capable of producing their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, serving as the primary producers in ecosystems and providing energy for other organisms.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain their energy by consuming other organisms, either as herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores, forming the secondary and tertiary levels of the food chain.

Saprotrophs

Organisms that obtain their energy by decomposing dead organic matter, playing a vital role in nutrient recycling and decomposition processes within ecosystems.

Carbon Cycle

The continuous movement of carbon through the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere, involving processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

Respiration

The metabolic process by which organisms release energy from carbohydrates, producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as byproducts, essential for sustaining life and fueling cellular activities.

Fossilization

The process of preserving dead organic matter, such as plants or animals, as fossils, providing valuable insights into past life forms and geological history.

Fuels

Organic materials, such as coal, oil, and gas, formed from the remains of ancient organisms over millions of years, serving as a major source of energy for human activities but contributing to environmental pollution and climate change.

Methane

A potent greenhouse gas released during various natural and human activities, including the extraction and production of fossil fuels, livestock farming, and decomposition processes, contributing to global warming and climate change.

Combustion

The chemical process of burning a fuel, releasing energy in the form of heat and light, while producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases that contribute to air pollution and climate change.