Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and Energy Resources Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about dynamic ecosystems, biodiversity, nonrenewable energy resources, and fossil fuels.

Succession

The series of predictable changes that occur in a community over time.

Disruption to an established ecosystem

Changes in the populations of the community.

Succession

The series of predictable changes that occur in a community over time.

Ecosystem stability

A mature community established in an ecosystem that will not change unless a component is disturbed.

Secondary Succession

Relying on nature to restore a disrupted wetland ecosystem.

Keystone species

A species that influences the survival of many other species in an ecosystem.

Invasive species

A non-native species that is introduced into an ecosystem and severely disrupts it by competing with native species.

Natural resource

Anything occurring naturally in the environment that humans use.

Nonrenewable resources

Resources which cannot be replaced.

Fossil fuels

The sources of energy commonly called coal, petroleum, and natural gas, made from the preserved remains of organisms.

Nuclear fission

The splitting of an atom's nucleus into two nuclei to release energy.

Fossil Fuels

Energy-rich substances made from the preserved remains of organisms; includes coal, petroleum, and natural gas.

Fracking (Hydraulic Fracturing)

Using pressured fluids to break layers of shale rock and force out the trapped natural gas.

Nuclear Fission

The splitting of an atom's nucleus into two nuclei.