Ecological Succession and Nutrient Dynamics

These flashcards cover key concepts related to ecological succession, nutrient dynamics, and productivity in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Inorganic Carbon

Carbon that is not part of living organisms, sourced from the atmosphere for plant use.

Organic Carbon

Carbon that is part of living organisms, primarily found in plant tissues, waste, and decomposed matter.

Net Primary Productivity (NPP)

The rate at which ecosystems produce energy or biomass through photosynthesis.

Ecological Succession

The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time, typically following a disturbance.

Upwelling

The process where deep, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface, enhancing primary productivity.

Turnover

A seasonal mixing of water layers in lakes that brings nutrients from the bottom to the surface and vice versa.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components of an ecosystem that influence the environment, such as light, temperature, and nutrients.

Leaching

The process of dissolving and removing nutrients from soil or land into water, often carried downstream.

Eutrophication

The enrichment of water bodies with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

Trophic Levels

Different levels in a food chain, representing the flow of energy and nutrients from producers to consumers.