B4.1 Adaptations Vocab IB Biology

Habitat

natural home of species plants and organisms

organism

an individual animal or plant

species

living organisms

population

a group of organisms of the same species living in a specific area

community

group of organisms living in the same place

ecosystem

a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

biotic

relating to or resulting from living organisms

abiotic

not derived from living organisms

adaptations

characteristics that enhance survival and reproduction of organisms in their environment.

xerophyte

plant adapted to life in a dry habitat

prop roots

root that supports stem above the ground in plants

aerial roots

roots that grow above the plant

law of tolerance

biological concept that describes the range of conditions under which an organism can survive and thrive.

optimum range

the specific conditions that promote maximum growth and reproduction for an organism.

zone of stress

the range of conditions where an organism experiences reduced growth, reproduction, or health.

zone of intolerane

the conditions that exceed the limits of tolerance (leading to death)

seminatural habitat

ecosystem altered by humans yet still retains natural process and biodiversity

belt transect

method that samples organisms or characteristics within an area

coral reef

underwater rock in the see formed by growth and deposit of coral

mutualism

relationship in which both organisms are benefitted

biome

large ecological area on Earth

climograph

graphical representation of climate data, showing temperature and precipitation over a specific period.

tropical forest

hot humid, rainy biome

temperate forest

biome with seasons, moderate rainfall

grassland

large area of a country covered in grass

hot desert

low rainfall and extreme hot temperatures

taiga

moderate rain, cold, high latitude

tundra

cold temperatures, low precipitation, treeless

convergent evolution

when unrelated species evolve similar traits

CAM physiology

photosynthetic pathway found in plants

nocturnal behaviour

when an organism is active at night and sleeps during the day

camouflage

blending in with surroundings

buttress roots

large root extending from base of the trunk above the ground

drip tips

leaf adaptations that allow water to drip off

epiphytes

plants that grow on other plants

lianas

woody vines that climb on other plants to reach sunlight