Ecosystems and Their Diversity

Flashcards about Ecosystems and Their Diversity

Climate

The average weather conditions in a particular region over a long period of time (usually 30 years or more), determined by temperature and rainfall.

Biome

Large ecosystems or groups of ecosystems in specific regions on Earth, characterized by a particular mix of plants, animals, and other organisms adapted to living under certain environmental conditions.

Habitat

A place or area with a particular set of characteristics, both biotic and abiotic, where a species is found.

Range

The geographical area where a population or species is found.

Ecological niche

The role that members of a species play in a community and the total range of biotic and abiotic requirements that its members need in order to survive.

Biodiversity

The variety of species in an area.

Limiting factor

Abiotic and biotic conditions that limit the number of individuals in a population.

Samples

Small portions or subsets of the entire population used to estimate population size.

Transect

A very long rectangle along which organisms are sampled.

Quadrat

A square area used for sampling a population.

Density

The number of individuals per unit of volume or area.