Ecology: Populations, Communities, and Ecosystems

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering levels of ecological organization, interspecific interactions, energy flow, matter cycles, and human environmental impact.

Atoms

Fundamental units of matter.

Molecules

Combinations of atoms.

Organelle

Specialized structures within cells that perform specific functions essential for the cell's life processes.

Cells

Basic unit of life.

Tissues

Groups of similar cells.

Organs

Structures composed of different tissues.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs that work together.

Organisms

Individual living entities.

Populations

Groups of the same species living in the same area.

Communities

Interactions of different populations in a specific area.

Ecosystems

Communities interacting with their abiotic environment.

Biosphere

Global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships.

Biomes

Large geographical areas characterized by distinct climates and ecosystems, such as deserts, forests, and tundras.

Symbiosis

Close interactions between species.

Mutualism

Both species benefit (e.g. Sea Anemone and clownfish).

Commensalism

One benefits, the other is unaffected (e.g. Barnacles on a whale).

Parasitism

One benefits at the expense of the other (e.g. Dog and tick).

Predation

One species preys on another.

Herbivory

Animals eating plants.

Competition

Species compete for resources.

Foundation Species

Species that create and maintain habitable conditions for other species.

Keystone Species

Species that have a disproportionately large effect on their ecosystem relative to their abundance.

Biotic

Living items within an ecosystem.

Abiotic

Nonliving items within an ecosystem.

Producers

Organisms that produce energy through photosynthesis.

Primary Consumers

Herbivores that consume producers.

Secondary Consumers

Carnivores that eat primary consumers.

Tertiary Consumers

Carnivores that eat secondary consumers.

Detritivores

Organisms that feed on dead organic materials (e.g., earthworms, vultures).

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead material and recycle nutrients (e.g., fungi, bacteria).

Water Cycle

Processes involving solar heat, evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and surface runoff.

Carbon Cycle

Key processes including photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and fossil fuel combustion involving $CO_2$ in the atmosphere.

Nitrogen Cycle

Processes including nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification, involving nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legumes and soil.

Biodegradable

Materials that decompose naturally (e.g., vegetable peels, paper).

Non-biodegradable

Materials that do not decompose easily (e.g., plastics, glass).

Renewable Energy

Energy sources including solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass.

Non-renewable Energy

Energy sources including coal, natural gas, and nuclear.