Ecosystems, Biomes, and Water Security Overview

Ecosystem

Interaction of biotic and abiotic factors.

Biotic factors

Living components of an ecosystem.

Abiotic factors

Non-living components of an ecosystem.

Nutrient cycle

Movement of nutrients between organisms and environment.

Energy flows

Transfer of energy through an ecosystem.

Biosphere

Global sum of all ecosystems supporting life.

Biome

Large ecological area with similar climate and vegetation.

Tropical rainforest

High biodiversity, warm temperatures, and high rainfall.

Desert

Area with very low rainfall and extreme temperatures.

Grassland

Ecosystem dominated by grasses, with few trees.

Tundra

Cold, treeless region with low-growing vegetation.

Soil formation

Process influenced by climate and vegetation types.

Leaching

Removal of dissolved nutrients from soil by water.

Urbanisation

Expansion of urban areas into natural ecosystems.

Deforestation

Clearing of forests for agriculture or urban use.

Aquatic biome

Ecosystem located in water environments.

Climate impact

Influence of temperature and precipitation on ecosystems.

Rainfall

Key factor determining ecosystem types and soil.

Vegetation types

Plant communities characteristic of specific biomes.

Woody vines

Plants climbing trees to access sunlight.

Buttress roots

Wide roots supporting tall trees in rainforests.

Drip tips

Leaf adaptations for water runoff in rainforests.

Photosynthesis optimization

Leaf angles maximizing light capture for energy.

Desert

A biome with low precipitation, high evaporation.

Cacti

Succulent plants adapted to arid environments.

Transpiration

Water loss from plants through stomata.

Thorns

Sharp structures on plants for protection.

Dormancy

State of inactivity during unfavorable conditions.

Entisols

Soils with no significant horizons, poorly developed.

Tundra

Cold biome with low temperatures and short summers.

Permafrost

Layer of permanently frozen ground in tundra.

Solifluction

Slow movement of water-saturated soil down slopes.

Ecological Succession

Process of ecosystem change over time.

Primary Succession

Occurs on uncolonized, lifeless landscapes.

Secondary Succession

Occurs after disturbance in previously colonized areas.

Climax Community

Final, stable community in ecological succession.

Transpiration Rate

Rate of water vapor loss from plants.

Succulent

Plant with thick, fleshy tissues for water storage.

Waxy Cuticle

Layer on leaves reducing water loss.

Stomata

Small openings on leaves for gas exchange.

Root Systems

Structures anchoring plants and absorbing nutrients.

Vegetation

Plant life in a particular area.

Organic Material

Decomposed matter contributing to soil fertility.

Evaporation

Process of water turning into vapor.

Bark Thickness

Adaptation for fire protection in trees.

Temperature Range

Variation in temperature across different biomes.

Primary productivity

Rate of energy conversion into organic material.

Gross primary productivity (GPP)

Total energy captured by producers in an ecosystem.

Net primary productivity (NPP)

Energy stored by producers minus energy lost to respiration.

NPP formula

NPP = GPP - R, where R is respiration.

Ecosystem productivity

Rate of biomass production in an ecosystem.

Insolation

Solar radiation received by a specific area.

Biomass

Total mass of living organic material in an ecosystem.

Trophic levels

Hierarchical levels in an ecosystem based on energy flow.

Ecological pyramids

Diagrams representing energy, biomass, or individuals in trophic levels.

Pyramid of energy

Shows energy availability decreases up the trophic levels.

Energy transfer efficiency

Typically 10% of energy is transferred between levels.

Native species

Species that originated and adapted to a specific ecosystem.

Invasive species

Species that outcompete natives, disrupting ecosystem balance.

Cultural eutrophication

Nutrient enrichment causing harmful algal blooms in water bodies.

Biodiversity conservation

Protecting variety of species and ecosystems globally.

Food security

Dependence on natural resources for food production.

Dry organic matter

Amount of organic material measured in grams.

Tropical forest productivity

Approximately 2000 g/m²/year in biomass production.

Desert productivity

Less than 100 g/m²/year in biomass production.

Factors affecting productivity

Sunlight and water availability influence ecosystem productivity.

Respiration (R)

Energy used by organisms for metabolic processes.

Energy loss

Energy lost as heat during respiration and excretion.

Producers

Organisms that convert solar energy into biomass.

Biodiversity conservation

Protection of diverse biological species and ecosystems.

Soil fertility

Ability of soil to sustain plant growth.

Nutrient recycling

Process of reusing nutrients in ecosystems.

Pest regulation

Control of pest populations through natural mechanisms.

Soil erosion prevention

Methods to protect soil from being worn away.

Pollination

Transfer of pollen for plant reproduction.

Economic growth

Increase in the production of goods and services.

Poverty reduction

Strategies to decrease the number of people living in poverty.

Natural resources

Materials provided by nature for human use.

Conflict over resources

Disputes arising from scarcity or mismanagement.

Climate change mitigation

Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Storm surge reduction

Lessening of storm-induced sea level rise effects.

Medicinal plants

Plants used for their healing properties.

Pharmaceutical development

Creation of medicines from natural substances.

Genetic diversity

Variety of genes within a species.

Species adaptation

Ability of species to adjust to environmental changes.

Ecological security

Stability and balance of ecosystems.

Food webs

Interconnected food chains in an ecosystem.

Cultural value

Importance of biodiversity in cultural practices.

Recreational value

Benefits of biodiversity for leisure and tourism.

Eco-tourism

Tourism focused on conservation and sustainability.

Legislation for biodiversity

Laws aimed at protecting biological diversity.

Global treaties

International agreements to manage natural resources.

Biodiversity

Variety of life in ecosystems, crucial for stability.

Endangered Species Act

US law prohibiting harm to endangered species.

American Bald Eagle

Protected species under US law, symbol of freedom.

CITES

International treaty to protect endangered species globally.

IWC

Commission focused on whale conservation and management.

African Black Rhino

Species reduced to 2400 by 1995 due to poaching.

Sustainable Harvesting

Resource use ensuring future supply without ecosystem harm.

Fynbos Ecosystem

South African biome with diverse plant uses.