The Biosphere: Introduction to Global Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the biosphere and global systems notes.

Environmental Science

The systematic, scientific study of the environment and our role in it; integrates fields such as Ecology, Chemistry, Population Biology, Political Science, and Environmental Economics.

Ecology

The science of the relationships of organisms to each other and to their environment.

Organism

A single living thing.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species living in one area.

Species

A group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.

Community

A collection of interacting populations living in a common area.

Ecosystem

A system formed by the interactions of biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) factors in an area.

Biotic factors

Living or once living components of an ecosystem.

Abiotic factors

Nonliving components such as sunlight, temperature, and soil.

Biome

A regional or global community of organisms characterized by climate conditions and plant communities.

Biosphere

All living organisms on Earth and the global sum of their environments.

Geosphere

The solid Earth, including rocks, minerals, landforms, and the interior (crust and core).

Lithosphere

The outermost layer of the Geosphere (the Earth’s crust and upper mantle).

Hydrosphere

All water on Earth in all states (solid, liquid, gas), including oceans, ice caps, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

Atmosphere

The thin layer of gases surrounding Earth; protects from UV, retains heat, and provides the air we breathe.

Condensation

The process by which water vapor changes into a liquid.

Evaporation

The process by which liquid water becomes water vapor.

Transpiration

Water vapor released from plant leaves.

Groundwater

Water stored underground in soil or rock.

Surface runoff

Water from precipitation that flows over the land into bodies of water.

Precipitation

Any form of water that falls from the atmosphere (rain, snow, sleet, hail).