Untitled Flashcard Set

Abiotic Factor

Nonliving component of an ecosystem.

Adaptation

Heritable trait that improves survival or reproduction.

Algal Bloom

Rapid increase in algae within an aquatic ecosystem.

Annual Growth Ring

Layer of secondary xylem produced during one growing season.

Annual Plant

Plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season.

Apical Meristem

Meristem responsible for primary growth (length).

Atmospheric Nitrogen (N2)

Nitrogen gas that makes up most of Earth's atmosphere.

Axillary Bud

Bud that can develop into a branch.

Biome

Large geographic region characterized by climate and vegetation.

Biosphere

All regions of Earth that support life.

Boreal Forest (Taiga)

Cold conifer-dominated forest.

Carbon Cycle

Movement of carbon through ecosystems.

Chaparral

Biome with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Climate

Long-term patterns of temperature and precipitation.

Climax Community

Relatively stable community that develops late in succession.

Cohesion-Tension Theory

Model explaining water movement through xylem due to transpiration pull.

Community

All interacting populations in an area.

Competitive Species

Species favored in stable environments.

Cone

Reproductive structure of gymnosperms that produces pollen or seeds.

Conifer (Gymnosperm)

Seed plant that produces naked seeds, usually in cones.

Cortex

Ground tissue often used for storage.

Cotyledon

Embryonic seed leaf.

Cuticle

Waxy layer that reduces water loss.

Decomposer

Organism that recycles nutrients from dead matter.

Denitrification

Conversion of nitrate into atmospheric nitrogen gas.

Desert

Biome characterized by very low precipitation.

Dicot (Eudicot)

Flowering plant with two cotyledons and ringed vascular bundles.

Disturbance

Event that changes ecosystem structure or resource availability.

Dormancy

Inactive state allowing seeds to survive unfavorable conditions.

Ecology

Study of interactions among organisms and their environment.

Ecosystem

Community plus its physical environment.

Endodermis

Root tissue that regulates movement into vascular tissue.

Energy Pyramid

Diagram showing energy available at different trophic levels.

Epidermis

Outer protective layer of plant cells.

Eutrophication

Nutrient enrichment of water that often leads to algal blooms.

Fern

Seedless vascular plant that reproduces with spores.

Fibrous Root System

Root system consisting of many similarly sized roots.

Food Chain

Linear sequence of energy transfer among organisms.

Food Web

Network of interconnected food chains.

Guard Cell

Cell that controls opening and closing of a stoma.

Intercalary Meristem

Meristem allowing regrowth after cutting or grazing.

Internode

Section of stem between two nodes.

Lateral Meristem

Meristem responsible for secondary growth (width).

Lateral Root

Root branch arising from another root.

Leaf

Primary organ for photosynthesis.

Limiting Factor

Factor that restricts survival, growth, or distribution.

Meristem

Region of actively dividing cells.

Mesophyll

Leaf tissue containing most photosynthetic cells.

Monocot

Flowering plant with one cotyledon and parallel veins.

Nitrate (NO3-)

A biologically available form of nitrogen used by plants.

Nitrogen Cycle

Movement of nitrogen through ecosystems.

Nitrogen Fixation

Conversion of N2 into biologically usable forms.

Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria

Bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms.

Node

Point on a stem where leaves or branches attach.

Ovule

Structure that develops into a seed after fertilization.

Pericycle

Root tissue that gives rise to lateral roots.

Permafrost

Permanently frozen soil.

Phenology

Timing of recurring biological events.

Phloem

Vascular tissue that transports sugars.

Phosphorus Cycle

Movement of phosphorus through ecosystems.

Pollen

Structure that transports sperm without requiring free water.

Population

All individuals of the same species living in an area.

Precipitation

Water falling from the atmosphere as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Primary Consumer

Herbivore that eats producers.

Primary Growth

Growth that increases length of roots and shoots.

Primary Succession

Succession beginning without soil.

Producer

Organism that captures energy through photosynthesis.

Range of Tolerance

Range of conditions in which a species can survive.

Root Cap

Protective covering over the growing root tip.

Root Hair

Epidermal extension that increases absorption.

Root

Organ that anchors a plant and absorbs water and minerals.

Savanna

Tropical grassland with scattered trees.

Secondary Consumer

Organism that consumes primary consumers.

Secondary Growth

Increase in stem or root diameter.

Seed

Structure containing an embryo, food supply, and protective coat.

Species

Organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

Stem

Organ that supports leaves and transports materials.

Stoma

Pore that regulates gas exchange and water loss.

Stress-Tolerant Species

Species adapted to survive harsh environmental conditions.

Succession

Gradual change in community composition over time.

Succulent Tissue

Water-storing tissue in plants.

Taproot

Large primary root that grows downward.

Temperate Deciduous Forest

Biome with seasonal leaf drop.

Temperate Grassland

Grass-dominated biome maintained by fire and grazing.

Terminal Bud

Bud at stem tip responsible for growth in length.

Tertiary Consumer

Organism that consumes secondary consumers.

Transpiration

Loss of water vapor from plant surfaces.

Trichome

Hair-like structure found on above-ground plant tissues.

Trophic Cascade

Chain reaction caused by changes in a food web.

Trophic Efficiency

Percent of energy transferred between trophic levels.

Trophic Level

Feeding position in a food chain or web.

Tropical Rainforest

Warm, wet biome with high biodiversity.

Tundra

Cold biome with permafrost.

Vascular Cambium

Lateral meristem that produces secondary xylem and phloem.

Vascular Tissue

Specialized tissue that transports water, minerals, and sugars through a plant.

Water Conservation

Traits that reduce water loss.

Waxy Cuticle

Waterproof layer that helps prevent water loss from plant surfaces.

Weedy Species

Fast-growing colonizers of disturbed habitats.

Xylem

Vascular tissue that transports water and dissolved minerals.