Energy Flow & Nutrient Cycling

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

Energy flow

The transfer of energy through biotic and abiotic reservoirs in an ecosystem.

Biotic reservoir

Living components of the ecosystem where energy and nutrients are stored.

Abiotic reservoir

Non-living components of the ecosystem where energy and nutrients are stored.

Trophic levels

The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, comprising producers, consumers, and decomposers.

Transfer efficiency

The fraction of biomass moved from one trophic level to the next.

Primary producers

Organisms that produce energy available for the ecosystem, typically via photosynthesis.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead material, returning nutrients to the soil.

Bottom-up control

When the abundance of lower trophic levels affects the population levels of higher trophic levels.

Top-down control

When predator populations control the structure and populations of lower trophic levels.

Trophic cascade

A phenomenon where top-down control causes significant changes in population levels across multiple trophic levels.

Bioaccumulation

The buildup of harmful substances in the tissues of living organisms.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of toxic substances in organisms at higher trophic levels.

Efficiency of energy transfer

Generally about 10% of energy is transferred between trophic levels.

Detritus

Dead organic matter from plants and animals that decomposers feed on.

Nutrient cycling

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter.

Nitrogen fixation

The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a usable form for living organisms.

Eutrophication

The enrichment of water bodies with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae.

Carbon cycle

The process through which carbon is exchanged between the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Nitrogen cycle

The series of processes by which nitrogen and its compounds are interconverted in the environment and in living organisms.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

Cellular respiration

The process by which organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy.

Pollutant

Substance that, when introduced into the environment, can cause harm or disturbance.

Detritivores

Organisms that feed on organic matter, contributing to the decomposition process.

Abiotic factors

Physical and chemical components of the environment that affect ecosystems.

Trophic structure

The feeding relationships between organisms in an ecosystem.

Ecosystem function

The sum of biological, chemical, and physical processes that take place within an ecosystem.

Scavengers

Organisms that consume dead animal remains.

Biogeochemical cycle

The flow of chemical elements and compounds between living organisms and the physical environment.

Succession

The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.

Population dynamics

The study of how and why populations change in size and structure.

Ecosystem resilience

The ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances.

Habitats

The natural environment in which an organism lives.

Climate change

Long-term changes in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.

Primary productivity

The rate at which energy is converted by photosynthetic and chemosynthetic autotrophs to organic substances.

NPP (Net Primary Productivity)

The amount of organic matter produced by plants minus the carbon they respire.

Light-dependent reactions

The part of photosynthesis that converts solar energy into chemical energy.

Vascular plants

Plants that have a vascular system for transporting water and nutrients.

Food web

A complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem.

Species diversity

The variety of different species within a given ecological community.

Genetic diversity

The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.

Functional diversity

The range of different functions performed by species in an ecosystem.

Invasive species

Non-native species that spread widely and cause harm to ecosystems.

Conservation biology

The study and protection of biodiversity, including the preservation of endangered species.

Sustainability

The ability to maintain ecological balance by avoiding depletion of resources.

Endangered species

A species at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, changes in climate, and other factors.

Ecosystem services

The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, such as clean water, pollination, or climate regulation.

Sustainable agriculture

Farming practices that maintain productivity without damaging the environment.

Pollution control

The measures taken to prevent or reduce the release of pollutants into the environment.

Restoration ecology

The scientific study and practice of restoring damaged ecosystems.