Ecology, Climate and Biomes

These flashcards cover essential terms and definitions related to ecology, climate, biomes, and ecological relationships, aiding in exam preparation.

Ecology

The scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environment.

Abiotic factors

Non-living environmental components that affect ecosystems, such as temperature and rainfall.

Biotic factors

Living components that affect ecosystems, including organisms and their interactions.

Ecosystem

An integrated system consisting of all species living together in a specific area plus their physical environment.

Biosphere

All regions of the Earth where living organisms exist, extending from a few kilometers into the atmosphere to the depths of the oceans.

Climate

The long-term patterns of temperature and precipitation in a given area, which significantly influence biomes.

Biome

A large regional ecosystem characterized by specific types of vegetation and animal life.

Keystone Species

A species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if removed, the ecosystem would change drastically.

Habitat fragmentation

The process whereby large, continuous habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches, often impacting species diversity.

Niche partitioning

When similar species exploit different resources or occupy different niches, reducing competition.