Principles of Ecology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to principles of ecology, including different biomes, ecological interactions, and human impacts on ecosystems.

Biosphere

The zone of life on Earth, between the lithosphere and the troposphere

Terrestrial Biomes

Large-scale biological communities characterized by growth forms of the dominant plants.

Convergence

The evolution of similar growth forms among distantly related species in response to similar selection pressures.

Sclerophyllous shrubs

Shrubs adapted to seasonally dry/moist and warm/cool environments.

Deciduous trees

Trees that shed their leaves, often found in temperate regions.

Tropical Rainforests

Biomes near the equator with high biodiversity and annual precipitation greater than 2000 mm.

Boreal Forests (Taiga)

Forests of cold regions, dominated by conifers such as pines, spruces, and larches.

Tundra

Cold regions with low temperatures, low precipitation, and permafrost.

Temperate Grasslands

Biomes maintained by fire and large herbivores like bison, characterized by grass dominance.

Coral Reefs

Complex marine ecosystems formed by coral polyps, requiring warm, shallow waters.

Human Footprint

Measures the impact of human activity on the environment.

Desertification

The process by which fertile land becomes increasingly arid, often due to human activities.

Stream Orders

Classification of streams based on their size and tributaries, such as first-order, second-order streams.

Marine Biological Zones

Zones in oceans determined by ocean depth, light availability, and bottom substrate stability.

Riparian Vegetation

Vegetation found along riverbanks that provides habitat and influences stream ecosystems.

Montane Zone

Biological zone on mountains characterized by changes in temperature and precipitation with elevation.

Lithosphere

Earth’s surface crust and upper mantle

Troposphere

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, (where weather occurs and air pollution is present.)

Biomes

large-scale biological communities shaped by the environmental factors, particularly climate (with distinct climate, soil, plants, and animals.)