Ecosystems, Populations, and Global Change Lecture Review

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key concepts from Units 1 through 9 of the Ecosystems and Living World curriculum, including energy flow, population dynamics, earth systems, pollution, and global change.

Biotic vs. Abiotic

Living components (biotic) versus non-living components (abiotic) within an ecosystem.

$10\%$ rule

The principle that only approximately $10\%$ of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next.

NPP (Net Primary Productivity)

The energy remaining after respiration, calculated as $\text{GPP} - \text{respiration} = \text{NPP}$.

Nitrogen Cycle Steps

The sequence of nitrogen transformation: fixation $\rightarrow$ nitrification $\rightarrow$ assimilation $\rightarrow$ ammonification $\rightarrow$ denitrification.

Phosphorus Cycle

A biochemical cycle characterized by having no atmospheric phase.

Island Biogeography

A theory stating that islands that are bigger and closer to the mainland will have more species.

Primary vs. Secondary Succession

Primary succession begins on bare rock with lichens, whereas secondary succession occurs where soil is already present.

Generalists vs. Specialists

Generalists are flexible in their niche requirements, while specialists are sensitive to environmental changes.

HIPPCO

An acronym for major threats to biodiversity: Habitat loss, Invasive species, Pollution, Population, Climate change, and Overexploitation.

Population Growth Models

The exponential model is represented by a J-curve, while the logistic model is represented by an S-curve reaching a carrying capacity ($K$).

K-selected vs. r-selected

K-selected species have few offspring and high parental care; r-selected species have many offspring and low parental care.

Demographic Transition Stage 2

The period where the death rate drops while the birth rate remains high.

IPAT Equation

A formula to calculate human impact on the environment: $\text{impact} = \text{population} \times \text{affluence} \times \text{technology}$.

Soil Horizons

The distinct layers of soil labeled as $O-A-B-C-R$.

Soil Permeability

Sand has high permeability, whereas clay has low permeability.

Atmospheric Layers

The troposphere is where weather occurs, and the stratosphere contains the ozone layer.

ENSO (El Niño/La Niña)

El Niño involves warm water and decreased upwelling; La Niña involves cool water and increased upwelling.

Green Revolution

A shift in agriculture characterized by the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation.

Bioaccumulation vs. Biomagnification

Pesticide buildup within an individual organism (bioaccumulation) versus the increasing concentration of toxins up the food chain (biomagnification).

Electricity Generation Process

$\text{heat} \rightarrow \text{steam} \rightarrow \text{turbine} \rightarrow \text{generator}$.

Fracking

A method of energy extraction associated with groundwater risks and methane leaks.

Photochemical Smog

Pollution formed by the reaction of sunlight, $NO_x$, and VOCs.

Industrial Smog

Pollution resulting from the combination of coal combustion and $SO_2$.

Montreal Protocol

An international agreement designed for ozone layer recovery by phasing out CFCs.

Eutrophication

A process where excess nutrients cause algae blooms, leading to decomposition and hypoxia.

Wastewater Treatment Stages

Primary treatment is physical, secondary is biological, and tertiary is chemical.

Ocean Acidification

The result of $CO_2$ reacting with water to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the ocean.

Mitigation vs. Adaptation

Mitigation involves reducing the causes of climate change, while adaptation involves adjusting to its effects.

Albedo Feedback Loop

A positive feedback loop where melting ice leading to lower albedo causes further warming.