Ecology Vocab 2022

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Ecosystem

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22 Terms
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Ecosystem

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

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Biodiversity

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

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Abiotic

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

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Biotic

Living organisms in an ecosystem.

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Abiotic

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

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Trophic level

The position an organism occupies in a food web.

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Food web

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

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Primary Producer

Produce their own food using energy from the sun.

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Consumer

Obtains energy by eating other organisms.

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Decomposer

Obtains energy while breaking down dead/decaying organisms.

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10% RULE

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

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KEYSTONE SPECIES

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

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TROPHIC CASCADE

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

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BIOACCUMULATION

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

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BIOMAGNIFICATION

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

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LIMITING FACTOR

Anything that slows or stops the growth of a population.

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Nutrient

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

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Nutrient Cycle

Movement of nutrients between the physical environment and living organisms.

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Nitrogen

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

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Phosphorus

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

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Acid Mine Drainage

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

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Tailings

Contaminated mine waste.

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