Term
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Definition
| allowing the use of resources in a responsible manner |
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Definition
| setting aside areas and protecting them from human activities |
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Definition
| species whose role in an ecosystem is far more important than others (sea otters, sea stars, grizzly bears, prairie dogs) |
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Definition
| species that that serve as early warnings that an ecosystem is being damaged (trout) |
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| Characteristics of Endangered Species |
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Definition
| small range, large territory, live on an island |
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Term
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Definition
| a group of organisms in danger of becoming extinct if the situation is not improved; population numbers have dropped below the critical number of organisms |
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| Invasive/Alien/Exotic Species |
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Definition
| non-native species to an area; often thrive and disrupt the ecosystem balance (kudzu vine, killer bee, fire ant, zebra mussel) |
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Term
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Definition
| evaporation, transpiration, runoff, condensation, precipitation, infiltration |
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Term
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Definition
| because atmospheric N2 cannot be used directly by plants it must first be converted into ammonia (NH3) by bacteria |
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Term
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Definition
| nitrogen is converted into ammonia by ammonifying bacteria, may occur when nitrogen in organic wastes in the soil are converted to ammonia or when atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted to NH3 |
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Term
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Definition
| ammonia (NH3) is converted to nitrate ions (NO3) |
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Term
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Definition
| inorganic N2 is converted into organic molecules such as DNA/amino acids and proteins - plants assimilate nitrogen as NH4+ or NO3- through their roots; animals (herbivores) assimilate organic nitrogen compounds by eating plants |
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Term
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Definition
| bacteria convert nitrate (NO3-)and nitrite (NO2)- back into N2 gas; bacteria convert ammonia (NH3) back into N2 or N2O - typically accomplished by anaerobic bacteria |
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Term
| Phosphorus does not circulate as easily as nitrogen because |
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Definition
| it does not exist as a gas, but is released by weathering of phosphate (PO4-3) rocks; this is a SEDIMENTARY cycle - it is never found as a gas |
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Term
| How excess phosphorus is added to aquatic ecosystems |
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Definition
| runoff of animal wastes, fertilizer, discharge of sewage; limiting factor in freshwater ecosystems; excess P leads to eutrophication |
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Term
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Definition
| plants convert atmospheric carbon (CO2) into complex carbohydrates (glucose C6H12O6); energy is consumed and oxygen is released as a waste product |
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Term
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Definition
| O2-consuming producers, consumers and deconposers break down complex organic compounds and convert C back into CO2; energy is released and oxygen is consumed in the process |
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Term
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Definition
| breakdown of carbohydrates without oxygen - products are methane (CH4), alcohols and other organics |
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Term
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Definition
| Process where water is absorbed by plant roots, moves up through plants, passes through pores (stomata) in leaves or other parts, evaporates into atmosphere as water vapor |
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Term
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Definition
| carbonate (CO3)2- rocks first, oceans second |
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Term
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Definition
| the ability to meet the current needs of humanity without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs |
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Term
| The Tragedy of the Commons |
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Definition
| 1968 paper written by ecologist Garret Hardin - "freedom to breed" is bringing ruin to all. Global commons such as atmosphere and oceans are being used by all and owned by none. When no individual has ownership, no one takes responsibility. Ex: overfishing in oceans |
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Term
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Definition
| organisms that possess favorable adaptations survive and pass them onto the next generation |
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Term
| Energy flow in food webs or chains, through trophic systems |
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Definition
| only 10% of the usable energy is transferred because usable energy lost as heat (second law); not all biomass is digested and absorbed; predators expend energy to catch prey; the 10% value is an average value. |
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