Causes of the Renaissance, Humanism, Ecological Succession, Tragedy of the Commons, Biogeochemical Cycles, and Population Ecology

Flashcards about the causes of the Renaissance, Humanism, Ecological Succession, Tragedy of the Commons, Biogeochemical Cycles, and Population Ecology.

Renaissance

A period in European history marking the revival of classical learning and culture, economic growth, and a focus on humanism.

Humanism

Emphasis on human potential and individualism.

Patronage

Financial support of arts and sciences by wealthy merchants and nobles.

Printing Press (1450s)

Technological advancement that facilitated the spread of knowledge and ideas during the Renaissance.

Scholasticism

A method of inquiry criticized by humanists as dry, abstract, and dogmatic.

Primary Ecological Succession

Ecological succession that starts from a barren or newly formed environment with no soil or vegetation present initially.

Pioneer Species

The first species (e.g., lichens, mosses) to colonize a barren area during primary succession.

Secondary Ecological Succession

Ecological succession that occurs in areas with existing soil and vegetation after a disturbance.

Tragedy of the Commons

A situation where multiple individuals or groups share a common resource, leading to its overexploitation and degradation.

Nitrogen Fixation

Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into usable forms by bacteria.

Assimilation

The process by which plants and animals incorporate nitrogen or phosphorus into their tissues.

Ammonification

Decomposition of organic matter releases ammonia (NH3).

Nitrification

Bacteria convert ammonia into nitrite (NO2-) and then nitrate (NO3-).

Denitrification

Bacteria convert nitrate back into atmospheric nitrogen (N2).

Weathering

Phosphorus is released from rocks and minerals through weathering.

Sedimentation

Phosphorus settles in sediments, often in ocean or lake beds.

Biotic Factors

Living components of an ecosystem that affect population size (e.g., predation, competition, disease).

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components of an ecosystem that affect population size (e.g., climate, water availability, nutrient availability).

Density-Dependent Factors

Factors that affect population growth and are influenced by the population's density (e.g., competition, predation, disease).

Density-Independent Factors

Factors that affect population growth and are not influenced by the population's density (e.g., natural disasters, climate, pollution).