Unit 1: Biology 1, Limiting Factors, Ecosystems, and Carrying Capacity

Controlled Experiment

Experiment comparing effects of manipulated variables.

Variables

Factors that can change in an experiment.

Control Variable

Variable that remains constant throughout the experiment.

Independent Variable

Variable that is changed by the experimenter.

Dependent Variable

Variable that responds to changes in the independent variable.

Density Dependence

Population growth influenced by population density.

Limiting Factors

Environmental conditions restricting population growth.

Ecosystem

Community of organisms interacting with their environment.

Energy Transfer

10% of energy passes from one trophic level to another.

Carrying Capacity

Maximum population size an ecosystem can support.

Population Growth

Increase in number of individuals in a population.

Growth Models

Mathematical representations of population growth patterns.

Carbon Cycle

Process of carbon recycling through ecosystems.

Photosynthesis

Process converting CO2 into sugars using sunlight.

Respiration

Process releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere.

Decomposition

Breakdown of organic matter releasing carbon compounds.

Combustion

Burning of organic materials releasing carbon dioxide.

Biosphere

Global sum of all ecosystems and living organisms.

Atmosphere

Layer of gases surrounding the Earth.

Hydrosphere

All water bodies on Earth, including oceans.

Geosphere

Earth's solid surface, including rocks and fossil fuels.

Predators

Organisms that hunt and consume other organisms.

Prey

Organisms that are hunted and consumed.

Limiting Factor Examples

Food, water, space, weather, and disease.

Density-Dependent Factors

Factors whose effects vary with population density.