Ecology Vocab 2022

Ecosystem

A community of organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment

Biodiversity

Variety of life found on Earth, measured at the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.

Abiotic

Non-living part of an ecosystem that plays a role in shaping the environment.

Biotic

Living organisms in an ecosystem.

Abiotic

Non-living parts of an ecosystem that shape the environment.

Trophic level

The position an organism occupies in a food web.

Food web

All of the food chains in a single ecosystem. Each organism is a part of multiple food chains.

Primary Producer

Produce their own food using energy from the sun.

Consumer

Obtains energy by eating other organisms.

Decomposer

Obtains energy while breaking down dead/decaying organisms.

10% RULE

Energy transfer between trophic levels is ineffecient. Only 10% moves to the next trophic level.

KEYSTONE SPECIES

A species that exerts strong control on a community. It is not always the most abundant OR the apex predator.

TROPHIC CASCADE

Changes to the structure of an ecosystem resulting from the addition or removal of an animal or plant.

BIOACCUMULATION

The gradual buildup of toxic substances in the tissue of an organism.

BIOMAGNIFICATION

The increase in toxic substances through trophic levels in the tissue of an organism from ingesting other plants or animals.

LIMITING FACTOR

Anything that slows or stops the growth of a population.

Nutrient

Substance needed for the survival, growth, and reproduction of an organism.

Nutrient Cycle

Movement of nutrients between the physical environment and living organisms.

Nitrogen

Essential nutrient needed by all organisms. Nitrogen is needed for the formation of proteins.

Phosphorus

Essential nutrient needed by all organisms. Phosphorus is a component of several key molecules including DNA.

Acid Mine Drainage

Formation and leaking of highly acidic water containing high levels of metals from abandoned mine sites.

Tailings

Contaminated mine waste.