ch19

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Producer

An organism that produces organic compounds from carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.

Consumer

An organism that feeds on plants or other animals.

Decomposer

An organism that breaks down dead or decaying organisms.

Food Chain

A linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.

Food Web

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

Niche

The role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem.

Trophic Level

Each of the hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, comprising organisms that share the same function in the food chain.

Habitat

The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that adversely affect the habitats and bioregions they invade.

Endangered Species

Species that are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, poaching, or other factors.

Conservation

The sustainable management of natural resources to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.

Sustainability

The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting resources.

Climate Change

A significant change in the Earth's climate over an extended period, primarily due to human activities.