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Null hypothesis
a prediction that there is no difference between groups or conditions, or a statement or idea that can be falsified, or proved wrong.
Ecological foot print
An ecological footprint is a measure of human impact on Earth's ecosystems.
Biophilia
Biophilia is an evolutionary trait which contributes to self-preservation and reproduction,
Anthropogenic
caused or produced by human activities
Background extiction rate
the number of species that would be expected to go extinct over a period of time, based on non-anthropogenic (non-human) factors
Biosphere
Consists of all life on Earth and all parts of the Earth in which life exists, including land, water, and the atmosphere.
Autotroph
(producer) an organism that uses solar energy (green plants) or chemical energy (some bacteria) to manufacture the organic compounds it needs as nutrients from simple inorganic compounds obtained from its environment.
heterotroph
Same as consumers; an organism that must obtain its energy by consuming other organisms
Primary consumer
An individual incapable of photosynthesis
Secondary Consumer
organism that only feeds on primary consumers (herbivores)
Detritivore
consumer organisms that feed on detritus, parts of dead organisms, and cast-off fragments and wastes of living organism
npp
the energy captured by the producers from the Sun minus the energy respired by the producers.
Transpiration
the process where plants absorb water through the roots and then give off water vapor through pores in their leaves.
limiting nutrient
The nutrient which is present in the least quantity in an ecosystem
mineralzation
the process by which organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, is broken down into inorganic substances like minerals.
ammonification
When organisms die, decomposers break down their tissues and convert the organic nitrogen (the nitrogen in their tissues) back into inorganic ammonium.
Dentification
the process by which nitrates are reduced to gaseous nitrogen (N2) and lost to the atmosphere.
Chemosynthesis
a biological process where organisms use chemical energy from carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and oxygen to produce the carbohydrates they need for life
estuary
Flashcard:
Term: Estuary
Definition: An __________ is a coastal area where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, creating a unique and productive ecosystem.
oligotrophic
Flashcard:
Term: Oligotrophic
Definition: A type of aquatic ecosystem characterized by low nutrient levels, resulting in clear waters and limited plant growth. These environments often support a diverse range of fish and other wildlife due to high oxygen levels.
Fill in the blank: An ________ lake is typically clear and has low nutrient concentrations, supporting specific types of aquatic life.
boreal forest
Flashcard:
Term: Boreal Forest
Definition: The ________ is a biome characterized by coniferous forests, primarily composed of pine, spruce, and fir trees. It is found in high-latitude regions, particularly in Canada, Alaska, Russia, and Northern Europe, and experiences cold climates with significant snowfall. This biome plays a crucial role in carbon storage and supports diverse wildlife.
Terrestrial biome
Flashcard:
Term: __________
Definition: A __________ is a large ecological area on land characterized by specific climate conditions, vegetation types, and animal communities. Examples include forests, deserts, grasslands, and tundras, each supporting distinct ecosystems and biodiversity.
thermohaline circulation
Term: Thermohaline Circulation
Definition: A large-scale ocean circulation driven by differences in _______ and salinity, which affects global climate by redistributing heat and nutrients across the oceans.
gyres
Flashcard:
Term: _________Definition: Large-scale circular ocean currents that are driven by global wind patterns and the Coriolis effect, playing a crucial role in regulating climate and marine ecosystems.
coriolis effect
Flashcard:
Term: Coriolis Effect
Definition: The __________ is the apparent deflection of moving objects, such as air and water, caused by the rotation of the Earth. It influences weather patterns and ocean currents, causing them to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
Hadley Cell
Hadley Cell
Flashcard:
Term: _________
Definition: A large-scale atmospheric circulation pattern that occurs in tropical regions, characterized by rising warm air near the equator, which cools and descends around 30 degrees latitude, creating distinct climatic zones and influencing trade winds and precipitation patterns.
Adiabatic heating/cooling
Flashcard Term: Adiabatic heating/cooling
Definition: A process in which the temperature of a gas changes without any heat exchange with its surroundings, typically occurring when a gas expands () or compresses ().
Troposphere
Flashcard:
Term: Troposphere
Definition: The ________ is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface up to about 8 to 15 kilometers (5 to 9 miles) high. It is where most weather phenomena occur and contains approximately 75% of the atmosphere's mass and the majority of its water vapor.
Note 
Flashcard (48)