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Chapter 4
Principles of Ecology
20
Environmental Studies
Undergraduate 1
09/02/2013

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Cards

Term
Ecology
Definition
Field of science that seeks to describe relationships between organisms and their chemical and physical environment.
Term
Biosphere
Definition
Skin of life on Earth
Enormous biological system
Term
Photosynthesis
Definition
Carbon dioxide captured by plants and made into food molecules
Term
Closed System
Definition
System that receives no materials from the outside with the exception of sunlight.
Term
Biome
Definition
Terrestrial portion of the biosphere characterized by a distinct climate and a particular assemblage of plants and animals to adapted to it.
Term
Tundra
Definition
Long, cold winters
Short growing season
Term
Taiga
Norther Coniferous or Boreal Forest
Definition
Milder climate
Longer growing season
Term
Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome
Definition
Warmer climate
More abundant rainfall
Term
Grassland Biome
Definition
Inadequate rainfall
Periodic droughts
Term
Desert Biome
Definition
Less rain
Aridity and heat
Term
Aquatic Life Zones
Definition
Distinct regions of the ocean akin to terrestrial biomes
Term
Ecological System
Ecosystem
Definition
A community of organisms occupying a given region within a biome
Term
Biotic
Definition
Living components
Term
Abiotic
Definition
Non-living components
Term
Range of Tolerance
Definition
Range of conditions to which an organism is adapted
Term
Optimum range
Definition
Organisms do the best
Term
Zones of Physiological Stress
Definition
Survival and reproduction are possible but not optimal
Term
Zones of Intolerance
Definition
Life for an organism is implausible
Term
Endangered Species
Definition
In danger of extintion
Term
Limiting Factors
Definition
A chemical or physical factor which determines whether an organism can survive in a given ecosystem.
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