ecosystem changes

primary producers

autotrophs; first producers that can be consumed by other organisms

consumers

heterotrophs; rely on other organisms for energy/nutrients

trophic levels

the position it occupies within a food web, food chain, or ecological pyramid

biochemical cycles

process in which elements, chemical compounds, and other forms of matter are passed from one organism to another

biological processes

activities performed by living organisms

geological processes

processes that impact geological structures

geographic range

the places a population lives

growth rate

how quickly a population grows over time

population density

number of individuals per unit area

population distribution

describes the way individuals are spaced out

age structure

number of males/females of each age in a population

limiting factor

any factor that limits/controls the growth of a population

primary succession

occurs on a barren, lifeless environment

secondary succession

a new group of organisms takes over following a natural or artificial upheaval

biodiversity

the variety and variability of animals, plants, and microorganisms

resilience

the ability to recover after a disturbance

ecological footprints

the total area of healthy land and water ecosystems needed to provide the resources you use

deforestation

affect water quality in streams/rivers, impact soil quality

agriculture

monocultures remove nutrients from soil

urbanization

increase in sewage/waste production

non-native species

cause damage to ecosystems and drives local species to extinction

pollutant

harmful material that can enter biosphere