Introduction to Ecology and Biomes

These flashcards capture essential vocabulary from the lecture notes on ecology and biomes, useful for studying ecological concepts and understanding the environment.

Secession

The process by which ecosystems recover from disturbances, building complexity over time from bare rock to climax communities.

Climax Community

An idealized ecological community where all trophic levels are represented and biodiversity is maximized.

ITCZ

Intertropical Convergence Zone; an area where trade winds meet, leading to heavy rainfall and influences on climate.

Coriolis Effect

The apparent deflection of moving objects when viewed in a rotating reference frame, affecting weather patterns.

Evapotranspiration

The sum of evaporation from the land and transpiration from plants, indicating moisture availability.

Rain Shadow

A dry area on the leeward side of a mountain range, caused by the mountains blocking the passage of rain-producing weather systems.

Biomes

Large ecological areas characterized by distinct plant and animal groups adapted to that environment.

Desert

A biome characterized by low precipitation, extreme temperature variations, and limited vegetation.

Temperate Forest

A biome with moderate climate, rich soil, and seasonal changes, supporting a variety of tree species.

Tundra

A cold, treeless biome characterized by permafrost, very short growing seasons, and low biodiversity.

Taiga

A biome characterized by coniferous forests, long winters, and short summers, located just below the tundra.

Grassland

A biome dominated by grasses, with limited trees, often experiencing seasonal drought.

Chaparral

A biome characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, dominated by drought-resistant shrubs.

Aquatic Biomes

Biomes associated with water, divided into freshwater and marine systems.

Nutrient Cycling

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter, crucial for ecosystem health.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.