Ecosystems and Energy

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and definitions related to ecosystems and energy, focusing on ecological concepts, energy flow, biodiversity, and environmental impacts.

Ecology

The study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment.

Trophic levels

The different levels in a food chain, with each level representing a different step in the flow of energy through an ecosystem.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that cannot produce their own food and depend on consuming other organisms.

Biogeochemical cycles

The cycles that involve the movement of nutrients and elements through biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of the ecosystem.

Primary production

The amount of light energy converted to chemical energy by autotrophs during a given time period.

Gross primary production (GPP)

The total amount of primary production conducted by autotrophs.

Net primary production (NPP)

The amount of energy actually available to consumers after subtracting the energy used by primary producers for respiration.

Trophic efficiency

The percentage of energy used that is transferred from one trophic level to the next, usually around 10%.

Conservation

The protection, preservation, management, or restoration of natural environments and ecological communities.

Species diversity

The variety of species in an ecosystem or throughout the biosphere.

Habitat loss

The reduction of the natural habitat of an organism, leading to negative impacts on biodiversity.

Introduced species

Species that are moved by humans from their native locations to new geographic regions.

Overharvesting

The act of harvesting wild plants or animals at rates that exceed the ability of populations to rebound.

Greenhouse gases

Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Climate change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, influenced by human activities.

Ecosystem services

The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, such as air and water purification, pest control, and pollination.