Ecology Vocab Ch. 1-2

Bio 216

ecology

the study of relationships among organisms and between organisms and the physical environment

evolution

a process by which populations change over time

population

a group of interbreeding individuals of a single species inhabiting a defined area

community

an association of interacting species

ecosystem

a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment

biosphere

the portions of the earth that support life, including the land, waters, and atmosphere

urban ecology

the study of urban areas as complex, dynamic ecological systems, influenced by interconnected, biological, physical, and social components

observation

the collection of data in unmanipulated settings

in situ

in the habitat where the organisms live

epiphyte

a plant that grows on another plant but is not parasitic; plants such as orchids, ferns, and mosses that grow on the tree trunks and branches

experiment

refers to research that involves manipulation of variables of interest while holding others constant in order to test a hypothesis

ex situ

not in the natural environment

natural experiment

an observational study where researchers take advantage of naturally occurring events or conditions to investigate ecological phenomena without direct manipulation of variables

conceptual models

those which describe systems in pictures or diagrams

quantitative models

are mathematical and may involve complex equations

adaptation

the action or process of adapting or being adapted

citizen scientist

individuals who actively participate in scientific research

modeling

the creation and analysis of representations of data or ideas to provide insight or make predictions

A horizon

mixture of mineral materials (clay, slit, and sand) and organic matter from O horizon

B horizon

clay, humus, and other materials leached from A horizon

biomes

major divisions of the terrestrial environment

boreal forest (taiga)

a biome characterized by coniferous forests consisting mostly of pines, spruces, and larches; the world’s largest land biome

caliche

a soil accumulation of soluble calcium carbonate that forms in dry regions

C horizon

the deepest layer in our soil pit and the only one not typically dominated by plant roots; it consists of the weathered parent material

climate change

a change in global or regional climate patterns

climate diagram

also known as a climatograph, is a graphical representation of the climatic conditions of a specific location

consumer

an organism that obtains energy and nutrients by feeding on other organisms or organic matter; classified as heterotrophs

Coriolis effect

causes apparent deflection of winds

• to the right in northern hemisphere

• to the left in southern hemisphere

desert

a dry/arid ecosystem characterized by extreme temperatures, low rainfall, and unique adaptations of flora and fauna

drought

a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water

functional traits

particular characteristics of an organism that allow them to adapt and survive in their environment

lithosol

shallow soils consisting of imperfectly weathered rock fragments; stone or mineral soil

mediterranean woodland and shrubland

ecosystems characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, supporting a rich diversity of plant and animal species

microclimate

the climate of a very small or restricted area, especially when this differs from the climate of the surrounding area

mycorrhizae

a fungus which grows in association with the roots of a plant in a symbiotic or mildly pathogenic relationship

O (organic) horizon

also known as the organic horizon, freshly organic matter; most superficial layer; more fragmented and decomposed with depth

Palmer Drought Severity Index

a standardized index used to measure drought severity based on temperature and precipitation data, providing insights into long-term moisture conditions

secondary producers

organisms that obtain their energy by consuming primary producers, playing a crucial role in energy transfer within ecosystems

ex) rabbits feed on grass, frogs eat insects

temperate forest

biome located between tropical and boreal regions; characterized mild climates and distinct seasons; these forests cover about 25% of the world’s forest area

tropical rainforest

lush, biodiverse, ecosystems found near the equator, playing a crucial role in the Earth’s climate and supporting a vast array of plant and animal species

primary producers

organisms that create their own food through processes like photosynthesis, forming the foundation of the food chain in ecosystems

ex) green plants, algae, bacteria

selective pressure

refers to environmental factors that influence the survival and reproductive success of organisms, driving natural selection and evolution

temperate grassland

vast, treeless regions dominated by grasses, characterized by moderate rainfall, extreme seasonal temperatures, and rich biodiversity

tropical savanna

a biome characterized by rolling hills, tall grasslands, and sparse trees; typically found near the equator, experiencing distinct wet and dry seasons, which support a diverse range of wildlife and dense grasses

rain shadow effect

a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when a mountain range blocks prevailing winds, causing one side to receive ample precipitation while the other side becomes significantly drier

solifluction

the gradual movement of wet soil or other material down a slope, especially where frozen subsoil acts as a barrier to the percolation of water

tropical dry forest

unique ecosystems characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna adapted to seasonal droughts

tundra

a cold, treeless biome characterized by its permafrost, low temperatures, and short growing seasons; primarily found in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, as well as at high elevations of mountains

weather

the state of the atmosphere at a place and time as regards heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.

natural history

the study of how organisms in a particular area are influenced by factors such as climate, soils, predators, competitors, and evolutionary history, leaning more towards observational than experimental methods of study