Terrestrial and Aquatic Biomes

Flashcards covering key concepts about terrestrial and aquatic biomes to help understand their characteristics, definitions, and ecological significance.

Biome

A large ecological area on the Earth's surface with flora and fauna (e.g., forests, grasslands).

Temperate Grassland

A biome characterized by cold winters and hot summers, found in areas like the Great Plains.

Permafrost

A thick subsurface layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year, common in tundra biomes.

Lichens

Symbiotic associations between fungi and algae, often found in harsh environments like the tundra.

Oligotrophic Lake

A type of lake that is nutrient-poor but oxygen-rich.

Eutrophic Lake

A lake that is rich in nutrients but often deficient in oxygen.

Photic Zone

The upper layer of water bodies where sunlight penetrates and photosynthesis can occur.

Aphotic Zone

The deeper layer of water where sunlight does not penetrate, preventing photosynthesis.

Intertidal Zone

The area where ocean meets land, which is affected by tides.

Estuary

The area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

Coral Reef

A diverse aquatic ecosystem made up of coral polyps and calcium carbonate structures.

Dispersal

The movement of individuals away from their area of origin to reduce competition and find better habitats.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components in an ecosystem (e.g., temperature, soil composition).

Biotic Factors

Living components in an ecosystem that affect organisms (e.g., food sources, predators).

Filial Imprinting

A behavioral phenomenon where an organism develops a preference for the habitat where it was born.

Hydrothermal Vents

Unique underwater features releasing heated water, supporting life without sunlight.

Pelagic Zone

The open sea, away from the shore, that is home to various species of marine life.

Biome

A large ecological area on the Earth's surface with flora and fauna (e.g., forests, grasslands).

Temperate Grassland

A biome characterized by cold winters and hot summers, found in areas like the Great Plains.

Permafrost

A thick subsurface layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year, common in tundra biomes.

Lichens

Symbiotic associations between fungi and algae, often found in harsh environments like the tundra.

Oligotrophic Lake

A type of lake that is nutrient-poor but oxygen-rich.

Eutrophic Lake

A lake that is rich in nutrients but often deficient in oxygen.

Photic Zone

The upper layer of water bodies where sunlight penetrates and photosynthesis can occur.

Aphotic Zone

The deeper layer of water where sunlight does not penetrate, preventing photosynthesis.

Intertidal Zone

The area where ocean meets land, which is affected by tides.

Estuary

The area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

Coral Reef

A diverse aquatic ecosystem made up of coral polyps and calcium carbonate structures.

Dispersal

The movement of individuals away from their area of origin to reduce competition and find better habitats.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components in an ecosystem (e.g., temperature, soil composition).

Biotic Factors

Living components in an ecosystem that affect organisms (e.g., food sources, predators).

Filial Imprinting

A behavioral phenomenon where an organism develops a preference for the habitat where it was born.

Hydrothermal Vents

Unique underwater features releasing heated water, supporting life without sunlight.

Pelagic Zone

The open sea, away from the shore, that is home to various species of marine life.

Tundra

A cold, treeless biome characterized by permafrost, low-growing vegetation like mosses and lichens, and short growing seasons.

Tropical Rainforest

A hot, humid biome found near the equator, known for high biodiversity, dense canopy, and heavy rainfall.

Desert

A biome characterized by extremely low precipitation, high temperatures, and sparse vegetation adapted to arid conditions.

Benthic Zone

The ecological region at the bottom of a body of water, including the sediment surface and sub-surface layers.