Envi Sci Midterms (PPT)

Natural Environment

all living and non-loving things occurring naturally on Earth; often used as a synonym for habitat.

built environment

refers to the human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity; encompasses places and spaces created or modified by people including buildings, green spaces, and supporting infrastructures.

organism

is the most basic unit of ecological study; Represents a single living entity.

population

Consists of all individuals of the same species living in a specific area at a given time.

community

includes all populations of different species that live and interact in a particular area.

ecosystem

encompasses the community of organisms along with the abiotic components of their environment (e.i. soil, water, air, and sunlight).

biome

large geographic area characterized by similar climate, vegetation, and ecological communities.

biomes

Examples include tropical rainforests, deserts, and tundras. Biomes group multiple ecosystems that share similar environmental conditions and life forms

biosphere

global ecological system that integrates all living organisms and their physical environments (such as the land, water, and the atmosphere where life exists).

interaction between species / interspecific interactions

refers to the various ways organisms from different populations live together and affect each other within an ecosystem

terrestrial succession

Bare rock is broken down by bacteria and organisms.

Rock gradually becomes soil.

Plants colonize the soil.

Plants provide food and habitat for animals.

• pioneer stage

• intermediate stage

• climax community

stages of succession

pioneer stage

Hardy organisms (lichens, mosses, weeds) arrive, tolerate harsh conditions, and begin to build soil.

intermediate stage

As soil quality improves, grasses, shrubs, and fast-growing trees (e.g., pines) move in.

climax community

relatively stable stage where a complex ecosystem, such as a mature forest, dominates, featuring species best suited to the climate

aquatic succession

Water ecosystems can gradually become terrestrial ecosystems.

carnivores

Water ecosystems can gradually become terrestrial ecosystems.

net production

The energy available to the next trophic level.

power system planning

Understanding power generation helps shed light on the larger context around energy sources and the various factors that play a part in