AP Environmental science UNit 1:

Biome

A region that retains a similar climate which dictates what animals and plant species are located there

Mutualism

When both species are benefiting from a relationship. Coral reefs

Commensalism

When one species is benefiting while another is not getting a benefit nor a loss. Bird putting nests in trees

Predation

When one species is hunting another for energy. ( Herbivores, hunters, parasites)

Resource Partitioning

How different species using the same resource will interact to reduce competition

Define Temporal partitioning

using resource at different times. Wolves vs Coyotes- Night and day

Define Spatial Partitioning:

Using different sections of a shared habitat. ( different length roots)

Define morphological Partitioning

Using different resource based on different evolved body features

Define Interspecific competition

Competition between 2 different species

Define Co evolution

Natural selection process where changes in gene pool of one species lead to changes in gene pool of another.

Define Biodiversity

Variety of life on earth

Species Diversity

Abundance and number of different species in an ecosystem

Species Richness

The number of species in an ecosystem

Species eveness

A measure of the comparative advantage of all species in an ecosystem. Many species—→ high evenness. Majority of one species—> now evenness

Genetic Diversity

A variety of genes found in a population/species

Edge effects

The changes in population , environmental conditions at two boundaries where environments meet.

Functional diversity

The numerous flow of energy and matter that happens in an ecosystem

Ecotune

The traditional period where two ecosystems merge with another

Permafrost

Underground soil that has captured water and has been frozen for more than 2 consecutive years.

Ecological succession:

The normal gradual change of species composition in terrestrial/ area aquatic system

Primary Succession

Gradual establishment of community of different organisms in lifeless areas

Secondary Succession

The gradual establish of community in a place that has been decolonized but still has soil intact.

Define Pioneer Species

A species that colonies quickly- moss/linchen

Define Inertia/Persistence

A species ability to survive a moderate disturbance

Define resilience:

Ability for an organism to restore after secondary succession and severe disturbance

Aquatic life zone:

Saltwater and Freshwater portions of the biosphere that can support life.

Salanity

The amount of salt

Name examples of Salt water bodies of water?

Ocean/estuaries. Coastal wetlands, Coral reefs and mangrove forests

Name examples of Freshwater life zone

Lakes, river, streams and inland wetlands

Estuaries

Mix of saltwater and freshwater

Define plankton

Diverse group of organisms who can be producer r feed on themselves. One example is algea

Turbidity

Cloudiness from a nutrient over bloom

Coastal wetland

Coastal land area covered with water with all or parts over the year.

interdial zone

Area between low and high tide

Coastal zone

Warm, nutrient, rich shallow water that extends from high-tide marking on land. Gentle slopes. Shallow edge of continental shelf.

Ocean acidification:

Rising levels of acidity in the ocean water

Pelagic Zone

sharp increase in water depth at the edge of the continentals shelf separate the coastal zone from a vast volume of ocean.

Upwelling

Upward movement of ocean water- cool and nutrient rich water from bottom to oceans warm surface