Ecology and the Biosphere Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from an ecology lecture.

Organismal Ecology

Study of adaptations that enable individuals to live in specific habitats.

Population Ecology

Focus on the number of individuals in an area and how and why population size changes.

Community Ecology

Study the processes driving interactions between species, as well as their consequences.

Ecosystem Ecology

Study the storage and movement of nutrients and energy among organisms and the surrounding atmosphere, soil, and water.

Biogeography

The study of the geographic distribution of living things and the abiotic factors that affect their distribution.

Endemic Species

Species naturally found only in a specific geographic area that is usually restricted in size.

Generalist Species

Species that live in a wide variety of geographic areas.

Ocean Upwelling

The upward movement of deep, colder water rich in nutrients to the surface of the ocean.

Intertidal Zone

Area where ocean meets the land between high tide and low tides

Global Climate Change

Altered global weather patterns, including a worldwide increase in temperature, due largely to rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Climate

The long-term, predictable atmospheric conditions of a specific area.

Weather

The conditions of the atmosphere during a short period of time.

Tropical rainforests

Characterized by high annual rainfall and constant temperature; high species diversity.

Savannas

Grasslands with scattered trees; experience high average temperature and low precipitation.

Chaparral

Dominated by shrubs and adapted to periodic fires; moderate rainfall and temperature.

Temperate Grasslands

Characterized by grasses and few trees; experience seasonal temperature variations and moderate precipitation.

Temperate Forests

Deciduous trees are the dominant plant; moderate temperature and rainfall.

Boreal Forests (Taiga)

Dominated by coniferous trees; low precipitation and cold temperatures

Arctic Tundra

Low-growing vegetation with permafrost; very low temperatures and little precipitation.