Wildlife Conservation and Ecosystems

These flashcards cover key concepts related to wildlife conservation, ecosystems, and ecological principles from the lecture notes.

Invasive Species

A species that disrupts forest habitats and negatively affects ecosystems.

Fecundity

The potential for reproduction of an organism or population.

Clear-Cutting

A logging practice that involves removing all growth in an area, regardless of age or type.

Habitat Destruction

Altering a habitat until its quality can no longer support life.

Wetland Restoration

The process of returning a wetland to its original state.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size of a species that a habitat can support.

Commensalism

A relationship where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected.

Pioneer Species

Species that colonize barren environments to initiate the process of ecological succession.

Ecological Succession

The process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process of converting nitrogen in the atmosphere into a form that plants can absorb.

Biotic Factors

Living components of an environment that affect other organisms.

Abiotic Factors

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

Mitigation Banking

A system where companies can buy credits to offset their environmental impacts.

Transpiration

The process of water vapor release from plants during photosynthesis.

Population Density

The number of individual animals per unit area.

Taxonomic Groups

Hierarchical categories used to classify organisms.

Rotational Grazing

A grazing management practice that involves moving livestock between pastures.

Dabbling Ducks

Ducks that feed by tipping forward in the water.

Carbon Cycle

The process in which carbon is exchanged between the earth's ecosystem and atmosphere.

Restoration

The process of returning ecosystems to their natural state.

Pollution

The introduction of contaminants into the natural environment, causing adverse effects.

Cavity-nesting Ducks

Ducks that rely on tree cavities for nesting.

Salinity

The concentration of salts in water, affecting ecosystem types.