Science exam Ultimate Study Guide

Biotic Factor

Any living component or biological influence affecting organisms in an ecosystem, e.g. predation, parasitism.

Abiotic Factor

Any non-living physical or chemical condition of the environment influencing living organisms, e.g. temperature, light intensity, pH.

Intraspecific Competition

Competition between individuals of the same species for limited resources.

Interspecific Competition

Competition between individuals of different species inhabiting the same niche or trophic level.

Ecological Niche

The role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem.

Adaptation

An inherited characteristic that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment.

Structural Adaptation

Physical features of an organism, like thick fur or large ears, that help it survive.

Behavioural Adaptation

Actions or behaviors, like migration or huddling, that aid survival.

Physiological Adaptation

Internal processes or biochemical changes, like concentrated urine production, that increase survival.

Extremophile

Microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments, such as high temperatures or salinity.

Hydrological Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Photosynthesis

Process by which photoautotrophic organisms absorb CO2 to create glucose and release oxygen.

Decomposition

The breakdown of dead organic matter, returning CO2 or methane to the atmosphere.

Reactivity Series

A list of metals arranged in descending order of their reactivity.

Displacement Reaction

A reaction where a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound.

Salt Nomenclature

Naming salts based on the reacting metal and acid; e.g., hydrochloric acid forms chloride salts.

Neutralisation

A chemical reaction between an acid and a base, producing salt and water.

Evaporation

The process of converting liquid water into vapor due to temperature increase.

Transpiration

The biological movement of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere.

Condensation

The process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Precipitation

The process by which water droplets in clouds combine and fall to the Earth as rain, snow, etc.

Acid

A substance that donates protons (H+) in a chemical reaction.

Base

A substance that accepts protons (H+) or donates hydroxide ions (OH-) in a reaction.

Alkali

A water-soluble base that produces hydroxide ions in aqueous solution.