Ecology Chapter 4: Biomes and Biodiversity

The area of a freshwater biome where the water is shallow enough for plants to root and sunlight to reach the bottom.

The bottom layer of an aquatic biome where nutrients settle and decomposers thrive.

The process of removing trees for timber or other purposes.

The gradual wearing away of topsoil due to factors like wind and water.

Areas of land covered by shallow water for at least part of the year, characterized by a high abundance of plant life.

The deep, dark region of a lake or ocean where sunlight cannot reach. It is characterized by low productivity due to limited sunlight and high pressure.

The area of a lake or ocean where sunlight can penetrate and support photosynthesis. It is the most productive zone, hosting diverse plant and animal life.

The process by which organisms produce energy from inorganic chemical compounds, particularly in environments where sunlight is absent.

The natural movement and transformation of carbon through Earth's systems, involving living organisms, the atmosphere, rocks, and oceans.

A short-term reservoir of carbon in the carbon cycle, representing the carbon dioxide present in the air.

The process by which plants convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into glucose using sunlight.

The process by which organisms break down glucose to release energy, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

A long-term carbon reservoir where carbon is stored in the form of fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas). Formed over millions of years from dead organisms buried deep underground.

The natural movement and transformation of nitrogen through Earth's systems, involving living organisms, the atmosphere, and soil.

A process by which nitrogen gas is converted into a usable form, such as ammonia, by certain microorganisms.

A process by which phosphorus moves through Earth's systems, involving rocks, soil, water, and living organisms.

The natural movement and transformation of water through Earth's systems, involving evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

The total amount of organic matter produced by autotrophs in an ecosystem over a given period of time.

The rate at which autotrophs produce organic matter through photosynthesis, minus the rate at which they use it for respiration.

The amount of organic matter produced by heterotrophs in an ecosystem over a given period of time.

The rate at which energy is stored as biomass by primary producers (plants) through photosynthesis.

The rate at which energy is stored as biomass by primary producers after accounting for the energy used for their own respiration.

The process by which organisms break down sugars to release energy.

The amount of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next.

The rule stating that only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next.

A graphical representation of feeding relationships within an ecosystem.

A change in the relative abundance of species at different trophic levels in a food web.

The increase in concentration of a substance (like mercury) as you move up trophic levels in a food web.

The accumulation of a substance (like mercury) in an organism's tissues over time.

The variety of genes within a population.

The variety of species within an ecosystem.

The variety of habitats within a region.

Benefits that ecosystems provide to people.

The study of species distribution and relationships on islands.

A habitat's central area, characterized by stable conditions and specialized species adapted to those conditions.

The transition zone surrounding a core habitat, experiencing different environmental factors and often supporting different species.

The ability of a species to survive and reproduce within a range of environmental conditions.

The range of environmental conditions where a species thrives and has the highest reproductive success.

Regular or predictable disturbances that occur in a specific ecosystem, such as seasonal flooding.

Disturbances that occur irregularly, but often with some predictability, such as earthquakes.

Disturbances that are completely unpredictable, like tornadoes, and can cause significant damage.

The gradual process by which one type of community replaces another over time, leading to changes in habitat and wildlife.

The first species to colonize a barren habitat, often able to tolerate harsh conditions and create soil for other species.

A species that significantly impacts the ecosystem, often having a disproportionate influence on the community structure.

The highest points of land surrounding a river, forming a boundary for the watershed.

Smaller streams that flow into a larger river, contributing to its water supply.

The area where a river widens and spills into a triangle shape, depositing sediments.

The underground layer of water-saturated rock or soil that supplies rivers.

The upper part of a watershed, where water originates, often with steep terrain.

The middle portion of a watershed, characterized by flatter terrain and more biodiversity.

The lowest part of a watershed, wide and deep, with high sedimentation and biodiversity.

Cutting down trees can disrupt soil stability, leading to increased sediment runoff into rivers.

Chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers can wash into rivers, altering water quality.

Construction of dams obstructs sediment flow, negatively impacting habitats downstream.

A species that can thrive in a variety of habitats and utilize diverse resources. They are adaptable and can quickly adjust to changing environments.

A species with a narrow range of habitat preferences and a limited diet. They are highly specialized and often rely on specific resources.

A species with a high reproductive rate and a short lifespan. They often produce many offspring, but invest little parental care in each.

A species with a low reproductive rate and a long lifespan. They typically produce few offspring but invest significant parental care in each.

The maximum reproductive rate of a population under ideal conditions. It represents the potential for population growth.

A type of survivorship curve where most individuals survive to old age and die at relatively similar rates. This is typical of K-selected species.

A type of survivorship curve where individuals have a constant rate of mortality throughout their lifespan. This pattern is common in K-selected species.

A type of survivorship curve where a majority of individuals die early in life, with only a few surviving to adulthood. This is typical of R-selected species.

The maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustainably support without degradation of resources. It is represented by the letter 'K.'

Factors that limit the growth of a population toward its biotic potential.

Factors that affect a population based on its density, especially when it reaches a certain level. These factors are often biotic, like competition for resources.

Factors that affect a population regardless of its density. They are often abiotic, like natural disasters.

A graphical representation of the distribution of ages in a population, divided by gender.

The uppermost layer of Earth, composed of solid rock, making up the tectonic plates.

The average number of children a woman is projected to have during her childbearing years (15-49).

A model that describes the changes in birth rates, death rates, and population growth over time, as a society transitions from a pre-industrial to an industrialized stage.

A hot, semi-solid layer beneath the lithosphere where tectonic plates 'float' and move.

A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates collide.

The process where one oceanic plate slides beneath another plate, typically a continental plate.

A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move apart from each other.

A type of plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally.

A break or fracture in the Earth's crust where movement occurs.

The release of built-up energy along a fault line, causing the ground to shake.

A series of large waves caused by a sudden displacement of water, often triggered by an earthquake beneath the ocean.

The top layer of soil, rich in organic matter, humus, and nutrients.

The breakdown of rocks into smaller particles, contributing to soil formation.

The movement of soil from one place to another, often caused by wind, water, or human activities.

The cloudiness of water, often caused by eroded soil particles.

The process of turning and breaking up soil, often used in agriculture. However, it exposes the soil to erosion and reduces organic matter.

The layer of the atmosphere closest to the Earth's surface, where most weather occurs.