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.
Studied by 78 People