Ecosystem Dynamics in Ecology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, productivity, and biodiversity from the lecture notes.

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system.

Biogeochemical Cycles

The cycles that involve the movement of chemicals through ecosystems, including biotic and abiotic processes.

Carbon Cycle

The series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process of converting nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonia (NH3) or nitrates (NO3-) usable by living organisms.

Phosphorus Cycle

The cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

Trophic Levels

Levels in a food chain, defined by the way organisms obtain energy.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food from inorganic substances.

Primary Productivity

The rate at which primary producers synthesize new organic matter.

Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)

The total amount of organic material produced by autotrophs in an ecosystem.

Net Primary Productivity (NPP)

GPP minus the rate of respiration by primary producers; represents the energy available to consumers.

Species Richness

The number of different species present in an ecosystem.

Limiting Nutrient

A nutrient that is in shortest supply relative to the needs of organisms in an ecosystem.

Egested Energy

Energy that is not assimilated into the body and is expelled through waste.

Ecosystem Stability

The ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function over time despite disturbances.

Latitudinal Gradient

The pattern whereby biodiversity tends to increase as you move from the poles towards the equator.

Biomagnification

The process by which the concentration of toxins increases in organisms at higher trophic levels.