Ecology Biology Honors

evaporation simple

Process where liquid turns into vapor due to heat, without reaching boiling point.

Precipitation

The process by which water vapor condenses in the atmosphere and falls to the Earth's surface as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Condensation

The process in which a gas or vapor turns into a liquid when it cools down.

Runoff

The flow of water over the land surface, typically occurring after precipitation. It can cause erosion, carry pollutants, and contribute to flooding.

Ground water

Water that fills the spaces between soil and rock particles underground. It is an important source of drinking water and supports ecosystems.

Freezing

The process in which a substance changes from a liquid to a solid state due to a decrease in temperature.

Boiling

Process of converting a liquid into vapor by heating it to its boiling point.

Melting

Process of changing a substance from solid to liquid state due to an increase in temperature.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Nitrogen Cycle

Process of nitrogen cycling in the environment, involving nitrogen fixation, nitrification, assimilation, ammonification, and denitrification.

Carbon Cycle

The process by which carbon moves between the atmosphere, plants, animals, and the Earth's surface. It involves photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

Phosphorus Cycle

The natural process by which phosphorus moves through the Earth's ecosystems, involving the weathering of rocks, uptake by plants, consumption by animals, and return to the soil through decomposition. It is essential for the growth and development of living organisms.

Biological Process

Any process that occurs within a living organism, such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, or respiration.

Geological Process

Natural events that shape the Earth's surface, such as erosion, weathering, volcanic activity, and tectonic plate movement.

Chemical Process

A chemical process refers to a series of actions or steps that result in a chemical transformation, such as the conversion of raw materials into desired products. It involves the use of chemical reactions, catalysts, and various conditions to achieve the desired outcome.

Physical Process

A natural or man-made activity that involves the transformation or movement of matter or energy. It does not involve any chemical changes. Examples include evaporation, condensation, melting, freezing, and sublimation.

Human activity

The actions and behaviors performed by humans that impact the environment and society.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit. Example: Bees and flowers - bees get nectar for food, while flowers get pollinated.

Commensalism

A type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits, while the other is unaffected. Example: Barnacles on a whale.

Parastism

A symbiotic relationship where one organism (parasite) benefits at the expense of another organism (host). The parasite relies on the host for resources, shelter, or nutrients, often causing harm or disease to the host.

Transpiration

Process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through their leaves, stems, and flowers. It helps plants absorb nutrients and minerals from the soil and regulates temperature.

Bar graph

A bar graph is a visual representation of data using rectangular bars of varying lengths. Bar graphs are useful for comparing data across different categories and identifying trends or patterns.

Line Graph

A graph that displays data using a series of points connected by lines. It is used to show trends or changes over time. Used to compare data for a continuous independent variable.

Pie Chart

A graphical representation of data using a circle divided into sectors, where each sector represents a proportionate part of the whole.

Title

goes across the top of your graph, usually is written to explain the variables you are comparing

Axes labels or legend

gives you information on what they represent and how they are measured.

X-axis

the horizontal one (side to side). Always the independent variable

Y-axis

the vertical one (up and down). Always has the dependent variable

Ecosystem

a community of organisms and their interactions with their environment

Producer/Autotroph

organisms that make their own food usually by using energy directly from the sun

Consumer/Heterotroph

organisms that cannot make their own food and must get energy by eating producers or other consumers

Primary Consumer

a consumer that eats producers (usually plants)

Secondary consumer

a consumer that eats a primary consumer

Tertiary consumers

a consumer that eats a secondary consumer

Decomposers

organisms that eat dead or decaying organisms

Food chain

a simple representation of how energy is passed from a producer to consumers

Food web

a more complex representation of how energy is passed from producers to consumers in an ecosystem

Quaternary

a term that means “fourth” the quaternary level of an energy pyramid is the fourth elvel

Trophic Level

each “step” in a food chain that represents how many times energy has been transferred from one organism to the next

Energy pyramid

a representation in the shape of a pyramid that shows how energy is passed from one trophic level to the next

Biotic Factors

Living components of an ecosystem that directly or indirectly influence the organisms within it. Examples include plants, animals, fungi, bacteria.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as temperature, sunlight, water availability, soil composition, and air quality. They influence the distribution and abundance of organisms in an ecosystem.

Herbivore

an animal that eats plants

Predator

an animal that catches and eats another animal

Prey

an animal that is subject to being caught and eaten by another animal

Carnivore

an animal that eats only other animals

Omnivore

an animal that eats both plants and animals

Competition

the conflict between organisms when they try to use the same resources at the same time

Symbiotic Relationship

the relationship between two species that live closely together

Parasite

an organism that gets its nutrients by feeding on another living organism

Host

an organism that feeds a parasite

Mangrove Swamp

A coastal wetland ecosystem characterized by salt-tolerant trees called mangroves. They grow in muddy, saline environments, providing habitat for diverse species. Mangrove swamps protect coastlines from erosion and act as nurseries for marine life. They play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and water filtration.

Open Ocean

Vast, deep oceanic zone beyond the continental shelf. It is characterized by high salinity, low nutrient levels, and a wide range of temperatures. The open ocean biome is home to diverse marine life, including plankton, fish, whales, and sharks. It plays a vital role in regulating Earth's climate and oxygen production.

Salt Marsh

Type of coastal ecosystem characterized by a mix of saltwater and freshwater, found in estuaries and along coastlines. It is dominated by salt-tolerant plants like cordgrass and provides a habitat for various species of birds, fish, and invertebrates. It helps protect coastlines from erosion and acts as a nursery for marine life.

Mountain Ranges

A biome characterized by tall and rugged landforms, consisting of multiple peaks and valleys. It is home to diverse plant and animal species that have adapted to the harsh climate and steep slopes. Mountain ranges play a crucial role in regulating climate and water resources, as well as providing habitats for various organisms.

Polar Ice Caps

Found at Earth's poles, characterized by frigid temperatures, covered in ice and snow. Home to unique species adapted to extreme conditions. Plays a crucial role in regulating global climate by reflecting sunlight. Threatened by climate change, leading to melting ice and rising sea levels.

Lakes and Ponds

Freshwater ecosystems are characterized by standing water. They are non-flowing bodies of water, usually smaller and shallower than lakes. They support diverse aquatic life, including fish, plants, and invertebrates. Lakes are deeper and have more open water, while ponds are shallower and often have more vegetation."

Freshwater Wetland Swamp

A type of wetland characterized by standing water, rich soil, and a variety of plant life. It acts as a natural filter, purifying water and providing habitat for diverse species.

Tropical Dry Forest

Biome characterized by hot temperatures, seasonal rainfall, and long dry periods. Dominated by deciduous trees and shrubs adapted to drought. High biodiversity with unique plant and animal species. Threatened by deforestation and climate change.

Freshwater Wetland Marsh

Type of wetland characterized by standing water, emergent vegetation, and high biodiversity. They provide habitat for various plants and animals, filter pollutants, and help prevent flooding.

Coastal Reef

Diverse underwater ecosystem found near coastlines. Composed of coral, algae, and other marine species. Provides habitat, protection, and food for many marine organisms. Vulnerable to pollution, climate change, and overfishing. Important for coastal communities and tourism.

Freshwater Wetland

A land area saturated with water that supports plants adapted to wet soil conditions. It acts as a natural filter, improving water quality by trapping pollutants and excess nutrients. It also provides habitat for diverse species, including amphibians, birds, and insects.

Marine Coastal

The area where the land meets the ocean, characterized by diverse ecosystems and high biological productivity. It is influenced by tides, waves, and currents, and supports a wide variety of marine life, including coral reefs, mangroves, and estuaries.

Taiga

Biome characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Dominated by coniferous forests with trees like spruce, fir, and pine. Found in high latitudes, including parts of Canada, Russia, and Scandinavia. Supports diverse wildlife like moose, wolves, and bears. Important for timber production and carbon sequestration.

Tundra

Cold, treeless biome found in the Arctic and high mountain regions. Permafrost, low temperatures, and short growing seasons limit plant growth. Dominated by mosses, lichens, and small shrubs. Home to animals like polar bears, reindeer, and arctic foxes. Vulnerable to climate change.

Tropical Rainforest

Tropical Rainforest:

• Dense forest found near the equator

• High temperatures and rainfall

• Rich biodiversity with various plant and animal species

• Canopy layer provides shade and blocks sunlight

• Important role in regulating climate and providing oxygen

Savanna

A tropical grassland biome characterized by a mix of grasses and scattered trees. It has a distinct wet and dry season, with prolonged droughts. Home to a variety of wildlife such as lions, elephants, and giraffes. Found in Africa, South America, and Australia

Denitrifying Bacteria

Microorganisms convert nitrates into nitrogen gas, reducing the availability of nitrogen in the soil. They play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by balancing nitrogen levels and preventing nutrient runoff."

Temperate Grassland

Biome characterized by fertile soil, moderate rainfall, and grasses as dominant vegetation. Found in regions with distinct seasons and moderate temperatures. Supports grazing animals and is prone to occasional wildfires. Examples include the prairies of North America and the steppes of Eurasia.

Nitrogen-fixation

Process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into ammonia (NH3) by nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Occurs in soil or root nodules of leguminous plants. Essential for nitrogen cycling and the availability of nitrogen for plant growth.

Temperate Forest

Temperate Forest:

• Type of biome found in regions with moderate climate

• Characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter

• Dominated by broadleaf deciduous trees like oak, maple, and beech

• Rich biodiversity, with various plant and animal species

• Important for carbon storage and regulating climate

• Threatened by deforestation and climate change

Nitrogen fixing bacteria

Bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants and other organisms. They form a symbiotic relationship with certain plants, living in nodules on their roots. Examples include Rhizobium and Azotobacter.

Climate

The long-term average weather patterns of a region, including temperature, precipitation, wind, and other factors. It influences the type of plants, animals, and ecosystems in an area. Climate can vary from region to region and changes over time due to natural and human factors.