Ecology and Biogeography – Key Terms (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards capturing key terms and their definitions from Ecology and Biogeography notes.

Ecology

The study of how organisms relate to each other and their environment, incorporating biotic and abiotic factors and described by Haeckel in 1866 as a broad science.

Biogeography

The study of the distribution of organisms across space and the patterns and causes of that distribution.

Abiotic factors

Non-living environmental factors that shape where organisms can survive, such as precipitation, temperature, disturbance, sunlight, and soil nutrients.

Biotic factors

Living components of the environment that influence organisms, including food supply, competitors, and diseases/parasites.

Endemic

A species that originates in a particular area and does not spread to other regions.

Cosmopolitan

A species with a wide or global distribution across many regions.

Continental Drift

The movement of Earth's landmasses relative to one another, influencing patterns of distribution of species.

Glaciers

Large masses of ice that can cause organisms to migrate by altering habitats and connectivity.

Biogeographical Realms

The six large geographic regions used to describe major patterns of life distribution on Earth.

Nearctic

Biogeographical realm covering North America.

Neotropical

Biogeographical realm covering South America.

Ethiopian

Biogeographical realm covering Africa; distinct in part due to the Sahara Desert.

Palearctic

Biogeographical realm covering parts of Eurasia (Europe and Asia).

Oriental

Biogeographical realm covering the southern part of Asia and some islands associated with Australia.

Australian

Biogeographical realm covering Australia’s mainland, with a fauna in which marsupials are highly prominent.

Marsupial

A type of mammal in which the young typically develop in a pouch; most marsupials are found in Australia.

Haeckel

German biologist who coined the term 'ecology' in 1866.

Biogeographic barrier

Barriers such as oceans that separate realms and contribute to distinct geographic distributions.