Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere

Flashcards covering the hierarchy of ecological organization, components of the biosphere, and major aquatic and terrestrial biomes.

Organism

Individual organisms interacting with the environment.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species living in a particular geographic area.

Community

All the populations of different species that inhabit a particular area.

Ecosystem

All the biotic and abiotic components in a certain area.

Biosphere

The total of all of Earth's ecosystems and the global ecosystem, which is self-contained and characterized by patchiness.

Biosphere limits (Altitude/Depth)

Extends several kilometers into the atmosphere, down to $3,000\,m$ beneath the Earth's surface, and several kilometers into the oceans.

Rachel Carson

Biologist who warned of the environmental effects of pesticides in 1962.

Abiotic factors

Major physical and chemical factors that determine the biosphere's structure and dynamics, including solar energy, water, temperature, wind, and disturbances such as fire or hurricanes.

Earth's Axial Tilt

The constant tilt of Earth at $23.5^{\circ}$ which contributes to seasonal changes like solstices and equinoxes.

Doldrums

Area near the equator characterized by ascending moist air that releases moisture.

Trade winds

Winds that blow toward the equator, influenced by the cooling and movement of air masses.

Intertidal zone

The region where the ocean meets the land.

Benthic zone

The seafloor of the aquatic biome.

Photic zone

The upper layer of water, extending to approximately $200\,m$ in depth, where light is available for photosynthesis.

Aphotic zone

The deeper layer of the ocean, typically between $2,500$ and $6,000\,m$, where light does not penetrate.

Pelagic zone

The open ocean area away from the shore.

Temperate grasslands

A terrestrial biome also known as prairie or steppe.

Coniferous forests

A terrestrial biome also referred to as boreal forests.

Tundra

A terrestrial biome characterized by extremely cold temperatures and limited plant growth.

Chaparral

A terrestrial biome characterized by shrubs and adapted to periodic fires.

Savanna

A terrestrial biome typically consisting of grassland with scattered individual trees.