Ecosystems and Populations

Flashcards covering key concepts and terminology related to ecosystems and populations from the lecture notes.

Ecology

The study of interactions between living organisms and their environment.

Ecosystems

All biotic (living) and abiotic (physical) aspects of the environment in one place.

Biotic factors

Living organisms in an environment, such as trees, plants, and animals.

Abiotic factors

Physical aspects of an environment, such as temperature, wind, and water.

Habitat

Where a particular population lives.

Biodiversity

A measure of the number of different species within an ecosystem.

Succession

The progression of species replacement in an ecosystem until a 'climax community' is reached.

Primary Succession

Succession that occurs in an area where there was no life previously, like after a volcanic eruption.

Secondary Succession

Succession following a disturbance in an area where life previously existed.

Pioneer Species

The first organisms to inhabit a new habitat, essential for creating conditions for other species.

Primary Productivity

The amount of light energy used by autotrophs to produce energy and biomass via photosynthesis.

Food Chain

A linear path of energy flow in an ecosystem, showing trophic levels.

Producers

Organisms that collect light energy and convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Consumers

Organisms that eat other organisms to obtain energy.

10% Rule

The principle that approximately 10% of energy is passed from one trophic level to the next.

Biomass

The amount of organic material produced in an ecosystem, indicating energy availability.

Niche

The functional role of a particular species within an ecosystem.

Fundamental Niche

The potential range of conditions for an organism.

Realized Niche

The actual conditions and resources an organism occupies and utilizes.

Water Cycle

The continuous cycle of water through the earth’s atmosphere, land, and bodies of water.

Nitrogen Cycle

The process by which nitrogen moves through the atmosphere, soil, plants, animals, and bacteria.

Carbon Cycle

The process by which carbon moves through the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.

Population

All the individuals of the same species that live together in one place at one time.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain without habitat destruction.

Exponential Growth Curve

Population growth rate that remains constant and can be visualized as a J-shaped curve.

Logistic Growth Curve

Population growth limited by density-dependent factors, visualized as an S-shaped curve.

Co-evolution

Evolutionary adjustments between interacting members of an ecosystem.

Symbiotic Relationship

A close, long-term association between two or more species.

Predation

One organism feeds on another, influencing evolutionary adaptations.

Biomes

Large biological communities defined by climate, vegetation, and wildlife.