Ecosystems, Nutrient Cycles and Human Impact on the Environment

Vocabulary flashcards related to ecosystems, nutrient cycles, and human impact on the environment.

The mass of living material in plants and animals.

Biomass

Makes its own food by photosynthesis.

Producer

An organism that eats other organisms.

Consumer

The first organism that is 'eating' in a food chain.

First stage consumer

The second organism that is 'eating' in a food chain.

Second stage consumer

The third organism that is 'eating' in a food chain.

Third stage consumer

An organism that only eats plants.

Herbivore

An organism that only eats animals.

Carnivore

An organism that eats both animals and plants.

Omnivore

Areas used for housing, industry, and agriculture.

Habitats

A process developers must carry out to assess the environmental impact of a development.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Methods used in farming to increase yields from plants or animals from less land.

Intensive Farming Methods

Harmful materials introduced into the environment disrupting the population.

Pollution

Changes in pH levels, oxygen levels, and indicator species.

Pollution indicators in rivers and streams

Species whose presence or absence indicates the level of pollution.

Indicator Species

Chemicals used to control pests and diseases on crop plants.

Pesticides

Insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides

Types of pesticides

The accumulation of chemicals in the tissues of organisms along a food chain.

Bioaccumulation

Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and tin.

Industrial pollutants

Contains minerals that crop plants need to grow, e.g. nitrates and phosphates.

Fertilisers