Ecology and Ecosystems

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to ecology, ecosystems, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, human impact, and pollution.

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.

Biome

A large region with specific climate, plants, and animals (ex: desert, tundra).

Habitat

The natural home of an organism.

Niche

The role an organism plays in its ecosystem.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in an area.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population an environment can support.

Limiting Factor

Anything that restricts population growth (food, water, space).

Keystone Species

A species that has a large impact on its ecosystem.

Invasive Species

A non-native species that harms the ecosystem.

Symbiosis

A close relationship between species.

Mutualism

A type of symbiosis where both species benefit.

Commensalism

A type of symbiosis where one species benefits and the other is unaffected.

Parasitism

A type of symbiosis where one species benefits and the other is harmed.

Producer

Organisms that make their own food (plants, algae).

Consumer

Organisms that eat others.

Decomposer

Breaks down dead matter (bacteria, fungi).

Food Chain

Energy transfer from one organism to another.

Food Web

Multiple interconnected food chains.

Trophic Level

Position in a food chain.

10% Rule

Only ~10% of energy transfers to the next level.

Photosynthesis

Plants convert sunlight into energy.

Cellular Respiration

Cells convert food into usable energy.

Water Cycle

Movement of water through Earth.

Carbon Cycle

Movement of carbon through atmosphere, land, and life.

Nitrogen Cycle

Movement of nitrogen through soil, air, and organisms.

Phosphorus Cycle

Movement of phosphorus through rocks and organisms.

Evaporation

Liquid to gas.

Condensation

Gas to liquid.

Precipitation

Rain, snow, etc.

Transpiration

Water released by plants.

Population Density

People per unit area.

Urbanization

Growth of cities.

Deforestation

Removal of forests.

Sustainability

Meeting needs without harming the future.

Renewable Resource

Naturally replenished (solar, wind).

Nonrenewable Resource

Limited supply (coal, oil).

Overpopulation

Too many people for available resources.

Ecological Footprint

Human impact on Earth.

Pollution

Harmful substances in the environment.

Greenhouse Gases

Trap heat (CO₂, methane).

Global Warming

Rising Earth temperatures.

Climate Change

Long-term weather changes.

Smog

Air pollution from vehicles and industry.

Eutrophication

Nutrient overload in water leading to algae blooms.

Acid Rain

Rain with high acidity from pollution.

Ozone Layer

Protects Earth from UV radiation.