Unit 1 Notes (apes)

Symbiosis

A close and long-term interaction between two different species.

Mutualism

An interaction between two organisms where both benefit from the relationship.

Commensalism

An interaction between two organisms where one benefits and the other is unaffected.

Parasitism

An interaction between two organisms where one benefits and the other is harmed.

Predation

An interaction between two organisms where one benefits by killing or harming the other.

Intraspecific Competition

Competition between individuals of the same species.

Interspecific Competition

Competition between individuals of different species.

Resource Partitioning

Species sharing limited resources by utilizing different resources or occupying distinct niches in an ecosystem.

Terrestrial Biomes

Different geographical regions with distinct climates and vegetation.

Latitude

The distance from the equator, affecting the climate and temperature of a region.

Rainshadow

A dry area on the leeward side of a mountain range caused by the loss of moisture as air rises and cools.

Deserts

Biomes characterized by hot and dry conditions, with little to no precipitation.

Tundra

Cold, treeless biomes with permafrost and low temperatures.

Grasslands

Biomes dominated by grasses, with varying temperatures and precipitation.

Savannas

Biomes with warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.

Coniferous Forests

Biomes with cold winters, short growing seasons, and dominated by coniferous trees.

Temperate Deciduous Forests

Biomes with warm summers, cold winters, and deciduous trees.

Tropical Rainforests

Biomes with high temperatures, high rainfall, and rich biodiversity.

Aquatic Biomes

Biomes found in water bodies, including oceans, estuaries, and freshwater ecosystems.

Open Ocean

The vast and deep part of the ocean where sunlight does not reach the bottom.

Photic Zone

The top layer of the ocean where sunlight penetrates, supporting photosynthesis.

Aphotic Zone

The deeper part of the ocean with little to no sunlight.

Freshwater

Biomes consisting of rivers, streams, and lakes with freshwater.

Rivers and Streams

Moving water bodies that provide dissolved oxygen for aquatic organisms.

The Carbon Cycle

The exchange of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, and living organisms.

Nitrogen Fixation

The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia by certain bacteria.

N2→NH3

Nitrification

The conversion of ammonia into nitrite and then nitrate by bacteria.

NH3→NO2→NO3

Ammonification

The conversion of organic nitrogen compounds into ammonia by decomposer bacteria.

NH3→NH4

Denitrification

The conversion of nitrite and nitrate back into atmospheric nitrogen by bacteria.

NO2→

N2

NO3→

Human Impact

Excess nitrogen pollution from burning fossil fuels releases nitrogen oxides.

Phosphorus Cycle

The movement of phosphorus through ecosystems, involves weathering, absorption by plants, and return to the soil through decomposition and erosion.

Hydrologic Cycle

The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Primary Productivity

The rate at which plants and other primary producers convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

GPP (Gross Primary Productivity)

The total amount of energy captured by plants through photosynthesis.

Respiration

The process by which organisms release energy from stored organic compounds.

NPP (Net Primary Productivity)

The energy stored by plants after subtracting the energy used for respiration.

Tertiary Consumer

Carnivores, such as lions and killer whales, control lower trophic levels by consuming secondary consumers. They hold the top position in the food chain.

Secondary Consumer

An organism that feeds on primary consumers in a food chain. They are carnivores or omnivores and occupy the third trophic level.

Primary Consumer

An organism that feeds directly on producers in a food chain.

Primary Producer

Organisms that convert energy from the sun into organic matter through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They form the base of the food chain and provide energy for other organisms.

Biomass

The mass of living biological organisms in a given area or ecosystem at a given time.

Decomposer

Organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances through the process of decomposition.

Detrivore

An organism that feeds on dead organic material, such as decaying plants and animals.

Scavenger

An organism that eats nearly anything whether it's dead or alive

Niche

The role and position of an organism within its environment, including its interactions with other species and its use of resources.