Ecosystem and Restoration

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts from the lecture on ecosystems and restoration, focusing on energy flow, chemical cycling, and human impacts.

Energy flow

The transfer of energy through an ecosystem, primarily from sun to autotrophs and then through trophic levels.

Chemical cycling

The process by which chemical elements are exchanged between living organisms and the environment.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food from sunlight or chemical sources; also known as producers.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on consuming other organisms.

Primary producers

Organisms that produce organic compounds from sunlight or chemical energy, forming the base of the food chain.

Primary consumers

Herbivores that eat primary producers.

Secondary consumers

Carnivores that eat primary consumers.

Tertiary consumers

Higher-level carnivores that eat secondary consumers.

Biomass

The total mass of living matter in a given area or volume, often used to measure energy production.

Gross primary productivity (GPP)

The total amount of energy captured by photosynthesis before any is used by the producers themselves.

Net primary productivity (NPP)

The energy that remains after autotrophs have met their metabolic needs; it's available for consumers.

Energy pyramid

A graphical representation showing the flow of energy at each trophic level in an ecosystem.

Trophic levels

Different levels in a food chain; each level represents a different step in the transfer of energy and nutrients.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen.

Cellular respiration

The process by which organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Eutrophication

The process by which nutrient pollution leads to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen in aquatic systems.

Ecosystem services

The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, including clean water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation.

Decomposers

Organisms, like fungi and bacteria, that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Biogeochemical cycles

Natural processes that recycle nutrients in various chemical forms from the nonliving environment to living organisms and back.

Nitrogen fixation

The conversion of nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonia (NH3) or related nitrogenous compounds in soil.

Phosphorus cycle

The movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, essential for DNA, RNA, and ATP.

Carbon cycle

The series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment, especially involving photosynthesis and respiration.

Trophic efficiency

The percentage of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next; generally about 10%.

Limiting factors

Environmental conditions that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of organisms.

Abiotic factors

Non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of toxic substances in organisms at each successive level of the food chain.

Ecosystem resilience

The ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances and return to its original state.

Urbanization

The process by which rural areas become urbanized as a result of population growth and migration, often impacting local ecosystems.

Climate change

Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, which can significantly impact ecosystems.

Sustainability

The ability to maintain ecological balance, ensuring that natural resources are used responsibly and preserved for future generations.

Tidal pool

A rocky coastal pool of seawater, often characterized by unique biodiversity.

Biome

A large geographical biotic unit defined by its climate, soil, plant, and animal communities.

Terrestrial ecosystems

Ecosystems located on land, such as forests, grasslands, and deserts.

Aquatic ecosystems

Ecosystems found in water environments, including freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Detritus

Dead organic matter, including plant and animal remains, which serves as a food source for decomposers.

Human impact

The significant alterations that humans cause in natural ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity loss and environmental change.

Ecosystem dynamics

The study of interactions among organisms and their environment, highlighting changes in ecosystems over time.

Temperate forest

A forest biome characterized by moderate temperatures and seasonal changes, consisting of deciduous and coniferous trees.

Savanna

A grassland ecosystem characterized by scattered trees and large herbivores, typically found in warm climates.

Wetlands

Areas where water is present either permanently or seasonally, providing vital ecosystem services and habitats.

Chaparral

A shrubland ecosystem characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.