Biomes and Aquatic Ecosystems

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to biomes and aquatic ecosystems, including definitions of ecosystems, biomes, and various environmental factors.

Ecosystem

All of the living organisms (plants, animals, and bacteria) and non-living components (air, water, soil, weather) that interact with each other as a system.

Biome

Large ecological areas on the earth’s surface differentiated by the organisms residing there, and by the climate.

Biotic Factors

Living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as water, sunlight, soil, air, and temperature.

Tropical Forest

Biome close to the equator characterized by year-round warm temperatures and abundant rainfall.

Savanna

Transitional biome between forest and grassland, characterized by grasslands with clusters of trees and distinct rainy seasons.

Taiga

Cold, subarctic forest biome characterized by moderate precipitation, primarily found in northern regions.

Tundra

Cold and damp biome characterized by a lack of trees due to permafrost and low precipitation.

Chaparral

Semi-arid biome filled with a variety of shrubs and grasses, typically found in coastal regions.

Salinity

Amount of salts dissolved in water, which affects aquatic ecosystems.

Photic Zone

The layer of water that receives enough sunlight for photosynthesis.

Aphotic Zone

The layer of water below the photic zone where no sunlight can penetrate.

Wetland

Ecosystem that combines elements of freshwater and dry land, known for being extremely rich in nutrients.

Estuary

Ecosystems found where land drainage meets oceans, preventing soil erosion and flooding.

Neritic Zone

The marine zone that extends from the low-tide mark to the continental shelf.

Open Ocean

The marine zone starting at the edge of the continental shelf, containing over 90% of Earth's ocean water.