Nature Dynamics and Interactions Vocabulary

Flashcards covering the vocabulary and key concepts of Nature Dynamics and Interactions, including evolutionary theories, ecology, and species relationships.

Abiotic factors

Non-living environmental influences such as temperature, water, light, pH, and climate.

Biotic factors

Living influences within an environment, including predators, competition, parasites, and food.

Adaptations

Processes by which organisms adjust to their environment, such as a cactus retaining water or a polar bear's thick layer of fat.

Population

A group of individuals belonging to the same species.

Inherited trait

A hereditary characteristic (dědičný znak).

Natural selection

The process of přirozený výběr, a key mechanism of evolution.

Chemical evolution

The evolutionary stage resulting in the origin of simple molecules.

Biological evolution

The evolutionary stage resulting in the origin of the first cells.

RNA world

A hypothesis that RNA may have been the first molecule to carry information and catalyze reactions.

Charles Lyell

A geological scientist who proposed that the Earth changes gradually through long processes.

Charles Darwin

The scientist who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

The scientist associated with the theory of the inheritance of acquired traits.

Richard Dawkins

The scientist who proposed the "selfish gene" theory, identifying genes as the main unit of evolution.

Neo-Darwinism

The modern theory of evolution that combines Darwin's findings with the field of genetics.

Evolutionary tree

A model of evolution represented by simple branching.

Evolutionary network

A model of evolution characterized by connections and horizontal gene transfer.

Mesozoic

A geological era occurring approximately $250-65$ million years ago, including the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.

Succession

The gradual change or progression of an ecosystem.

Climax

The stable final stage of an ecosystem's development.

Ecosystem disturbance

Events such as fires, mining, climate change, or invasive species that disrupt an environment.

Greenhouse effect

The process where greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap and retain heat.

Greenhouse gases

Atmospheric components including $CO_2$, methane, and water vapor.

Mitigation

The reduction of the causes underlying climate change.

Adaptation (Climate)

The process of adjusting to the changes caused by climate variation.

Competition

A relationship where organisms compete for limited resources.

Cooperation

A relationship where organisms work together.

Mutualism

A type of symbiosis where both organisms involved benefit from the relationship.

Commensalism

A type of symbiosis where one organism benefits while the other remains neutral.

Parasitism

A relationship where a parasite causes harm to its host.

Keystone species

A crucial species (klíčový druh) that holds significant importance for its ecosystem.

Ecosystem engineer

An organism, such as a beaver (bobr), that physically changes its environment.

Habitat

The specific place or environment where an organism lives.

Ecosystem

The complex system of living organisms and their physical environment.

VOCs / GLVs

Chemical substances used by plants for communication.

Mycorrhizal networks

Underground networks of fungi that connect different plants.

Prey adaptations

Protective traits such as camouflage, warning colors, mimicry, and speed.

Predator adaptations

Offensive traits such as speed, poison (jed), sharp teeth, and camouflage.