Introduction to Ecology and Biomes

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to ecology and biomes.

Ecology

The study of the distribution and abundance of living things in their physical environments.

Organismal Ecology

The study of individual organisms and their adaptations to specific environments.

Population Ecology

The study of groups of interbreeding organisms of the same species living in the same area at the same time.

Community Ecology

The study of different species in the same area and the interactions between them.

Ecosystem Ecology

The study of the interactions between biotic and abiotic components in an ecosystem.

Biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems; the zone of life on Earth.

Biome

Large areas of land characterized by specific climates, flora, and fauna.

Photic Zone

The layer of water that receives enough light for photosynthesis to occur.

Aphotic Zone

The layer of water that does not receive sufficient light for photosynthesis.

Halophytes

Plants that have adapted to survive in environments with high salinity, such as estuaries.

Torpor

A state of reduced metabolic activity in animals to conserve energy, often during adverse conditions.

Biogeography

The study of the geographic distribution of living things and the factors affecting their distribution.

Abiotic Factors

Non-biological components of an ecosystem, such as temperature, water, and soil.

Biotic Factors

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

Primary Productivity

The rate at which organisms generate organic matter through photosynthesis.

Intraspecific Interaction

Interactions among individuals of the same species.

Interspecific Interaction

Interactions between individuals of different species.

Savanna

A grassland ecosystem characterized by scattered trees and seasonal drought.

Subtropical Deserts

Dry ecosystems typically found between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.