Ecosystems - Vocabulary Flashcards (GCSE AQA 3.1.2.1)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key ecosystem concepts, food chains/webs, biomes, climate factors influencing distribution, and human impacts as described in the notes.

Ecosystem

The living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of a system and the interactions between them.

Biotic components

The living parts of an ecosystem (plants, animals, microorganisms).

Abiotic components

The non-living parts of an ecosystem (soil, water, climate, sunlight).

Biodiversity

The variety of plant and animal species within an ecosystem; influenced by climate, habitats, and food sources.

Interdependence

Biotic components depend on each other and on abiotic factors for survival; changes to one part affect others.

Producer

Organisms (usually plants) that make energy-rich organic matter via photosynthesis; base of the food chain.

Primary consumer

Herbivores/omnivores that eat producers.

Secondary consumer

Organisms that eat primary consumers (carnivores/omnivores).

Tertiary consumer

Organisms that eat secondary consumers (top carnivores).

Decomposer

Fungi and bacteria that break down dead organic matter, return nutrients to the soil, and release energy for recycling.

Food chain

A linear sequence showing feeding relationships and energy transfer from one organism to the next; energy from the sun.

Food web

A network of interconnected food chains showing how many species feed on multiple others; demonstrates interdependence.

Nutrient cycle

The circulation of nutrients within an ecosystem, facilitated by producers and decomposers.

Biome

A large-scale natural ecosystem (e.g., tropical rainforest, desert, temperate forest) with characteristic climates and species.

Latitude

Distance north or south of the equator; influences climate and biome distribution (temperature and sunshine).

Altitude

Height above sea level; higher altitude generally means cooler temperatures, affecting biome distribution.

Continentality

Extent to which a location is inland; inland areas heat up and cool down more quickly, influencing climate.

Ocean currents

Warm and cold currents that transfer heat and moisture, affecting climate and nearby biomes.

Tropical rainforest characteristics

Located near the equator with high rainfall (~2000 mm) and warm temperatures; high biodiversity with multiple vegetation layers.

Monsoon forest

Tropical forest with distinct wet and dry seasons and monsoon rainfall patterns.

Savanna characteristics

Tropical grassland with distinct wet and dry seasons; temperatures around 15–35 C; rainfall ~800–900 mm; scattered trees and diverse wildlife.

Desert characteristics

Low rainfall (<250 mm); hot days (up to 50 C); sparse vegetation; organisms adapted to aridity.

Temperate deciduous forest characteristics

Mid-latitude biome with wet, mild winters; deciduous trees that lose leaves in winter; diverse fauna.

Coniferous forest characteristics

High-latitude, cold winters; evergreen trees; lower biodiversity; animals like bears, foxes, wolves.

Temperate grassland characteristics

Mid-latitude region; hot summers, cold winters; rainfall 250–750 mm; dominated by grasses; herbivores and predators.

Arctic/tundra characteristics

Very high latitudes; cold year-round; short growing season; low biodiversity; simple vegetation like grasses, lichens, mosses.

Ash dieback

A disease that kills ash trees and affects species that rely on ash, causing amplified ecological impacts.

Invasive species

Non-native species that outcompete native species and disrupt ecosystem balance (e.g., grey squirrels; can spread diseases like squirrel pox).

Hedgerow removal

Practice of removing hedgerows, reducing biodiversity and altering water, drainage, and temperature patterns.

Deforestation

Removal of forests leading to habitat loss and disruption of ecosystem balance.