BC - Earth Science 9 - Simple Definitions

cycles

The moving of nutrients between abiotic and biotic sources and sinks.

biotic

Living things and factors in an ecosystem.

abiotic

Non-living things and factors in an ecosystem.

ecosystems

All the living and non-living things that interact in an area.

sources

Where nutrients come from

sinks

Abiotic or biotic components of the environment that serve as storage places for cycling nutrients

climate change

A change in global or regional climate patterns due to natural and man-made impacts

deforestation

The removal of trees faster than forests can replace themselves.

bioaccumulation

The build up of a often toxic substance in living organisms over time, leading to higher concentrations up the food chain

biomagnification

The increase in chemical concentration in animal tissues as the chemical moves up the food chain.

sustainability

The use of Earth's renewable and non-renewable natural resources in ways that do not constrain resource use in the future.

greenhouse effect

Warming that results when solar radiation is trapped by the atmosphere.

water cycle

The continual movement of water among Earth's atmosphere

evaporation

When liquid water turns into water vapour.

condensation

When water vapour turns back into liquid water.

precipitation

Any form of water that falls from clouds and reaches Earth's surface. (Rain, snow, hail, etc.)

interconnectedness

The relationship and dependence between the different abiotic and biotic parts of an ecosystem

food chain

A series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food starting with autotrophs

food web

A complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem, illustrating how different organisms interact and depend on one another for energy and nutrients

producer

organisms that use the sun, or in rare cases chemicals, to produce their own energy

consumer

organisms that obtain energy by eating other organisms