finals definition

Climate

The long-term average of weather conditions in a particular area.

Biome

A large community of plants and animals that occupies a distinct region defined by its climate and vegetation.

Ecotone

A transition area between two biological communities, where two ecosystems meet.

Photic Zone

The layer of a body of water that is exposed to sunlight allowing photosynthesis.

Aphotic Zone

The deeper layer of water that lacks sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis.

Pelagic Zone

The open ocean area that is not close to the bottom or shore.

Benthic Zone

The ecological region at the lowest level of a body of water including the sediment.

Littoral Zone

The nearshore area of a body of water where sunlight reaches the bottom.

Limnetic Zone

The open water area of a lake or pond that is well-lit and offers abundant light.

Estuary

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

Thermocline

A layer in a large body of water, such as a lake or ocean, where the temperature changes rapidly with depth.

Oligotrophic

A term used to describe a body of water with low nutrients and high oxygen levels.

Eutrophic

Describes a body of water rich in nutrients and supports a dense plant population.

Microbiome

The collection of microorganisms living in a particular environment, including the human body.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, including clean air, water, and pollination.

Extinction Vortex

A downward spiral in which a species declines to a small population size that leads to further decline.

Minimum Viable Population

The smallest population size at which a species is able to sustain its numbers and survive.

Effective Population Size

An estimate of the number of individuals in a population that contribute genes to the next generation.

Movement Corridor

A route that connects wildlife habitats, allowing animals to move between areas.

Biodiversity Hot Spot

A biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is under threat from humans.

Biological Magnification

The increase in concentration of toxins in the bodies of organisms at higher trophic levels.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of how much nature we have and how much nature we use.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.