Untitled Flashcards Set

Ecology

The study of how organisms interact with each other in an environment.

Ecosystem

A system formed by the interaction of a group of organisms (biotic) with their environment (abiotic).

Terrestrial ecosystems

Ecosystems that are located on land.

Aquatic ecosystems

Ecosystems that are located in water.

Biotic factors

Living things in an ecosystem, such as algae, moss, sharks, and fungus.

Abiotic factors

Non-living things in an ecosystem, including rocks, soil, air, water, sunlight, temperature, wind, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.

Symbiosis

Interactions between two organisms where at least one benefits.

Mutualism

A type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.

Predation

An interaction in which one organism (the predator) eats another organism (the prey).

Competition

An interaction where two organisms compete for the same resources such as food, habitat, water, or mates.

Biotic-abiotic interactions

The effects of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components on each other.

Oxygen deficiency

Lack of oxygen in aquatic ecosystems caused by human activity, which can suffocate fish.

Soil erosion

The wearing away of soil that makes it difficult for plants to grow due to changing landscapes.

Sustainable ecosystems

Ecosystem conditions, such as resources and biodiversity, maintained in balance over time.

Sustainability

The ability to maintain ecological balance over time.

Cycle of matter

The process of recycling limited natural resources to ensure sustainability.

Lithosphere

The hardest part of the earth's surface.

Hydrosphere

All the water found on Earth.

Atmosphere

The layers of gases above Earth's surface.

Biosphere

The regions of Earth where living organisms exist.

Carbon cycle

The cycle that involves the movement of carbon through the environment.

Photosynthesis

The process of converting carbon dioxide into sugar using sunlight.

Cellular respiration

The process of converting sugar back into carbon dioxide.

Decomposition

The breakdown of organic matter into simpler components.

Extraction

The process of mining for fossil fuels.

Abiotic factors examples

Rocks, soil, air, water, temperature, sunlight.

Biotic factors examples

Algae, moss, sharks, fungus.

Mutualism example

Alligator gets its teeth cleaned and the bird gets free food.

Key component of sustainable ecosystems

Balance is maintained over time.

Importance of the carbon cycle

Recycles carbon to maintain life.

Human impact on ecosystems

Can lead to oxygen deficiency in aquatic ecosystems.

Soil erosion effects

Makes it difficult for plants to grow.

Dry season impact

Can negatively affect both plants and animals.

Definition of ecosystems

Interactions among biotic and abiotic factors.

Ecosystem size variability

Can range from large areas like forests to small areas like a log.

Water as an abiotic factor

Essential for life in terrestrial ecosystems.

Biodiversity importance

Essential for sustainability in ecosystems.