ecosystems and material cycles

Ecosystem

The interaction of a community with non-living (abiotic) parts of the environment.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living factors that can affect a community, such as light intensity, temperature, and moisture levels.

Biotic Factors

Living factors that can influence a community, including food availability, predators, and pathogens.

Interdependence

The reliance of organisms on each other for food, shelter, and reproduction within a community.

Parasitism

A relationship where one species benefits at the expense of another, such as a tapeworm in the human gut.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit, like algae and fungi in lichens.

Commensalism

A relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain without being compromised.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.

Community

A group of different populations interacting in the same habitat.

Trophic Level

Each step in a food chain, representing the flow of energy and nutrients.

Pyramid of Biomass

A graphical representation showing the biomass at each trophic level in an ecosystem.

Energy Transfer Efficiency

The percentage of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next.

Decomposition

The process of breaking down organic matter, returning nutrients to the environment.

Carbon Cycle

The cycle through which carbon is exchanged between organisms and the environment.

Water Cycle

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

Nitrates

Compounds that plants can take up for growth, derived from nitrogen gas by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Indicator Species

Species used to assess the health or pollution levels of an environment.

Fieldwork

Practical investigation conducted outside the classroom to gather data about ecosystems.

Quadrat

A square frame used for sampling in ecological studies.

Transect

A method for sampling and examining changes in an ecological community across a distance.

Optimum Conditions

Ideal environmental conditions for processes such as decay or growth.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants and algae convert light energy into chemical energy.

Transpiration

The process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts.

Respiration

The biochemical process in which cells convert nutrients into energy.

Eutrophication

The excessive growth of plants in water bodies due to nutrient influx, often degrading water quality.

Breeding Programs

Initiatives designed to prevent the extinction of endangered species by promoting reproduction.

Habitat Destruction

The degradation or elimination of a natural habitat, affecting its biodiversity.

Deforestation

The clearing of forests, often leading to habitat loss and increased carbon dioxide.

Agricultural Chemicals

Substances used in farming that can cause pollution if they enter ecosystems.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Food Security

The availability of sufficient food to meet the population's nutritional needs.

Sustainable Methods

Practices aimed at meeting current needs without compromising future generations' resources.

Biogas Generators

Devices used to produce methane from decomposing biological material.

Reverse Osmosis

A process for removing impurities from water, making it drinkable.

pH Change

A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, which can indicate chemical reactions.

Microorganisms

Microscopic organisms, including bacteria and fungi, that play essential roles in decomposition.

Active Transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Light Intensity

The amount of light reaching a surface, affecting photosynthesis rates in plants.

Soil pH

A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil, impacting plant health.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances into the environment that disrupt ecological balance.

Natural Fertiliser

Organic material used to enrich soil, derived from the decomposition of biological matter.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, vital for processes like digestion.

Diversity

The variety of different species and genetic variation within a given ecosystem.

Aquatic Animals

Species that live in water environments, such as fish and amphibians.

Plant Compounds

Substances produced by plants, which can influence their growth and interactions with other organisms.

Overfishing

The depletion of fish stocks due to catching more fish than can be naturally replenished.