Ecology Review: Food Chains, Cycles, and Biodiversity

Termites

Insects that break down dead plant matter.

Ecosystem

A community of interacting organisms and their environment.

Food Chain

Linear sequence of energy flow among organisms.

Food Web

Complex network of interconnected food chains.

Producers

Autotrophs that create their own food.

Primary Consumer

Organisms that eat producers for energy.

Secondary Consumer

Organisms that eat primary consumers.

Tertiary Consumer

Organisms that eat secondary consumers.

Apex Consumer

Top predator in a food chain.

Trophic Level

Position in a food chain or web.

Energy Pyramid

Graphical representation of energy flow in ecosystems.

10% Rule

Only 10% of energy transfers between trophic levels.

Kilocalories

Unit of energy used in ecological studies.

Biodiversity

Variety of species and individuals in an area.

Metabolic Processes

Biochemical reactions that convert energy in organisms.

Heat Loss

Energy lost as heat during metabolism.

Undigested Materials

Organic matter not broken down by consumers.

Euglena

Single-celled organism often used in ecology studies.

Glorious Trees

Diverse tree species contributing to local ecology.

Drummond Red Maple

Tree species known for its vibrant foliage.

Sweetgum

Tree species with star-shaped leaves and spiky fruits.

Loblolly Pine

Common tree species in southeastern U.S. forests.

Interactions

Relationships between organisms and their environment.

Food Web

A network of interrelated food chains.

Producers

Organisms that produce energy via photosynthesis.

Prey

Organisms that are hunted for food.

Predators

Organisms that hunt and consume other organisms.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down organic matter.

Symbiotic Relationships

Interactions between different species living together.

Parasitism

One organism benefits while the other is harmed.

Mutualism

Both organisms benefit from the relationship.

Commensalism

One organism benefits, the other is unaffected.

Nitrogen Cycle

The process of nitrogen's movement through ecosystems.

Nitrogen Fixation

Conversion of nitrogen gas into ammonia.

Bacteria

Microorganisms that can fix nitrogen in soil.

Fungi

Decomposers that break down organic material.

Grasshoppers

Insects that serve as prey for birds.

Frogs

Amphibians that can increase with grasshopper populations.

Snakes

Predators that may rely on frogs and rabbits.

Competition

Struggle between organisms for limited resources.

Termites

Insects that rely on microorganisms for digestion.

Barnacles

Organisms that attach to whales for nutrients.

Pitcher Plants

Carnivorous plants that can host bats.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins containing nitrogen.

Nucleotides

Building blocks of nucleic acids containing nitrogen.

Ecological Interactions

Relationships affecting organisms in an ecosystem.

Nitrogen Fixation

Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.

Nitrification

Process converting ammonia to nitrates and nitrites.

Ammonification

Decomposers convert organic nitrogen to ammonia.

Denitrification

Conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas by bacteria.

Nitrifying Bacteria

Bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrates.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead matter.

Photosynthesis

Process using carbon dioxide to produce glucose.

Carbon Reservoirs

Locations where carbon is stored in various forms.

Cellular Respiration

Process releasing carbon dioxide from living organisms.

Greenhouse Gas

Gas trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Coral Bleaching

Loss of color in coral due to temperature changes.

Coral Polyps

Small invertebrates forming coral structures.

Aquatic Plants

Plants that perform photosynthesis in water.

Fossil Fuels

Natural fuels formed from decomposed organic matter.

Carbon Dioxide

Gas produced during respiration and combustion.

Mutual Symbiotic Relationship

Interaction where both species benefit.

Ocean Temperature Regulation

Oceans help maintain Earth's climate stability.

Biodiversity

Variety of organisms in a specific area.

Carbon Cycle

Movement of carbon through Earth's systems.

Nitrogen Cycle

Cycle of nitrogen transformation in ecosystems.

Hard Coral

Stony coral providing structure to reefs.

Soft Coral

Flexible coral lacking a hard skeleton.

Phytoplankton

Microscopic plants that perform photosynthesis in oceans.

Coral Polyps

Marine animals providing habitat for algae.

Photosynthetic Algae

Algae supplying nutrients through photosynthesis.

Coral Bleaching

Coral expelling algae due to stress.

Ocean Acidification

Decrease in ocean pH from CO2 absorption.

Habitat Destruction

Loss of natural environment affecting organisms.

Deforestation

Clearing forests impacting local ecosystems.

Soil Erosion

Loss of topsoil affecting fertility and runoff.

Invasive Species

Non-native species threatening local biodiversity.

Formosan Termites

Invasive termites damaging plants and structures.

Kudzu

Fast-growing invasive plant smothering native flora.

Lionfish

Predatory fish harming native marine populations.

Overfishing

Unsustainable fish capture reducing biodiversity.

Secondary Consumer

Organism feeding on primary consumers.

Primary Consumer

Organism feeding on producers.

Trophic Levels

Hierarchical levels in an ecosystem's food chain.

Overharvesting

Unsustainable extraction of species from nature.

Biodiversity

Variety of life forms in an ecosystem.

Reforestation

Planting trees to restore forested areas.

Species Conservation

Efforts to protect endangered species.

Sustainable Practices

Methods ensuring resource use without depletion.

Ecosystem Stability

Resilience of an ecosystem to disturbances.

Food Webs

Interconnected food chains in an ecosystem.

Aquatic Animals

Species living in water environments.