Ecology and Plant Biology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms in ecology, plant biology, and ecological succession.

Abiotic factors

Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as water, temperature, soil, and sunlight.

Biotic factors

Living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi.

Ecological Succession

The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.

Ecology

The study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment.

Climax Communities

A stable and mature ecological community that represents the final stage of ecological succession.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Ecosystem Stability

The ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function over time despite disturbances.

Ecosystem Services

The many and varied benefits that humans freely gain from the natural environment and from properly-functioning ecosystems.

Genetic Diversity

The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.

Habitat Loss

The destruction or fragmentation of habitats, leading to a reduction in biodiversity.

Climate Change

Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, largely due to human activities.

Pollution

The presence or introduction of harmful substances into the environment.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.

Earth Day

An annual event celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

Non-Vascular Plants

Plants without a specialized vascular system for transporting water and nutrients, such as mosses and liverworts.

Vascular Plants

Plants with a specialized vascular system including roots, stems, and leaves.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.

Producers

Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain. (e.g. plants)

Primary Succession

Ecological succession that occurs in an environment devoid of soil, such as volcanic islands and glaciers.

Secondary Succession

Ecological succession that occurs on a substrate that previously supported vegetation, such as forest fires and flooded areas.

Seedless Vascular Plants

Vascular plants that do not produce seeds, such as ferns.

Gymnosperm

Seed plants that do not produce flowers or fruits (e.g. conifers)

Angiosperms

Seed plants that produce flowers and fruits.