Term
|
Definition
| knowledge of nature and the physical world derived from observation, study and experimentation i.e. the scientific method |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Study of interrelationships between organisms and their physical and biotic environment. Multidisciplinary science that incorporates info from many fields. |
|
|
Term
| Ecology is a science of interactions |
|
Definition
environment----> Organisms
Organisms----->organisms
Organisms----->environment |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| study of individual organisms in relation to their environment |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| study of GROUPS of organisms in relation to their environment |
|
|
Term
| Current high profile ecological issues |
|
Definition
| climate change, sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, human pop growth, invasive species |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-ecology does not make environmental decisions
-ecology informs various decisions by IDing outcomes & tradeoffs
-Societal values, politics, and economics influence decisions |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| all individuals of a species in a given area |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| individuals sharing a common gene pool, capable of interbreeding and producing viable offspring |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Interacting populations of all species in a given space |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| communities and their physical environment in a given space |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| mosaic of different systems in a given space |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| large ecosystem of sub continental dimensions and strong biotic continuity |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-All organisms within a specific area
-defined by the largestgroup of organisms which are often plant species
-concept used to delineate similar groups of plants in a specific area |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
AG Tansley a British ecologist developed the concept in 1935
-emphasizes interdependence and interactions among various components within ecological systems |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-11 yr project in 1970
-Cost $1 billion
-Largest dam on the longest river in world
-goals-hydroelectric power, irrigation, flood control |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
50% electric power
-200% increase agricultural production
-reduced flood intensity
-increased disease
-reduced fish harvest
-increased commercial fertilizer use |
|
|
Term
| Structure of Ecological Systems-Abiotic |
|
Definition
-radiation -soils
-climate -geography
-atmosphere -fire |
|
|
Term
| structure of Ecological systems- biotic |
|
Definition
ORGANISMS FUNCTION
plants producers-Autotrophs
herbivores primary consumers heterotrophs>>>
carnivores secondary consumers
decomposers primary, secondary, & tertiary |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-dimension in both time and space over which change is perceived
- Important to match scale with ecological process to promote meaningful understandind |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Energy flow- unidirectional energy transfer between feeding levels
-nutrient cycling- cycling transfer of nutrients between biotic and abiotic components
-homeostasis- internal self regulation to maintain ecosystems stability |
|
|
Term
| Human Ecological Footprint |
|
Definition
-Measure of human demand on earths resources; current value is 1.5
-Anthropocene-planetary epoch shaped by human industrialization and activity
-safe boundaries currently exceeded for climate change, nitrogen cycle, and loss of biodiversity |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Ecosystem provesses that support the biosphere and humankind |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| ecosystem goods consumed by society food water fuel wood |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| influence processes beyond ecosystem of origin. climate flood erosion |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| social forces influencing human-nature relationships. spiritual, recreational, aesthetics, educational |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| processes that control the structure of a function of ecosystems. soil formation, nutrient cycling, primary production |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Comprised of inter-dependent physical, biological and social components. All 3 must be investigated simultaneously to understand system behavior |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-observe ecological patterns & processes
-develop hypothesis concerning processes or problems
-test hyppothesis by experimentation and data collection
-repeat process if hypothesis falsified
-apply scientific info if hypothesis is not falsified |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| authoritative teachings that are FAITH BASED ie unsupported by evidence |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-scientific info cannot be considered absolute; potential for new knowledge always exists
-this is strength of scientific method; if offers the best current knowledge |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
-Operate as unique ways of human knowing
-science adresses the physical world & religion the metaphysical world
-they are largely compatible with only a few exceptions |
|
|
