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Terrestrial Ecology Key Terms
key terms.
47
Environmental Studies
12th Grade
10/12/2011

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Term
Keystone Species
Definition
A species whose presence and role within an ecosystem has a disproportionate effect on other organisms within the system.
Term
Ecology
Definition
the study of life
Term
Ecosystem
Definition
a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their environment.
Term
Biosphere
Definition
the part of the earth's crust, waters, and atmosphere that supports life.
Term
Biome
Definition
A distinct group lifeforms and the environment in which they are found.
Term
Species Diversity
Definition
The number of different species in a given area
Term
Species richness
Definition
The number of species an ecosystem contains
Term
Species evenness
Definition
The number of one individual species an ecosystem contains.
Term
Indicator Species
Definition
Species that serve as an early warning of damage to an ecosystem.
Term
Vanishing amphibians
Definition
Their life cycles can easily be disturbed causing them to die off.
Term
Foundation species
Definition
A species that can create and enhance habitats that can benefit other species in a community.
Term
Population
Definition
A group of individual organisms of the same species living w/in a particular area.
Term
Community
Definition
The population of all species living & interacting in an area.
Term
Abiotic
Definition
nonliving
Term
Biotic
Definition
living
Term
Realm of ecology
Definition
The spectrum going from organisms to the biosphere
Term
Niche
Definition
The total way of life or role of a species in an ecosystem.
Term
Biomass
Definition
The organic matter produced by plants; dry weight.
Term
Decomposition
Definition
As plant or animal matter dies it will break down and return the chemicals back to the soil.
Term
Predator prey
Definition
the relationship between the predators and the prey
Term
Photosynthesis
Definition
The process in which glucose is synthesized by plants.
Term
Cellular Respiration
Definition
The process in which the plant gives off oxygen
Term
Productivity
Definition
The amount of increase in organic matter per unit of time
Term
Range of Tolerance
Definition
The spectrum in which the organism flourishes or dies off.
Term
Carrying Capacity
Definition
The maximum population of a particular species that a given habitat can support over time.
Term
Biotic potential
Definition
The potential an ecosystem has of reaching and then passing the carrying capacity
Term
Heterotroph
Definition
Organisms that get their food by eating or breaking down other organisms
Term
Autotroph
Definition
Organisms that make the food themselves
Term
Producer
Definition
An organism that uses solar energy (green plant) or chemical energy (some bacteria) to manufacture its food.
Term
Herbivore
Definition
An organism that feeds directly on all or parts of plants.
Term
Carnivore
Definition
An organisms that feeds only on primary consumers
Term
Omnivore
Definition
Organism that feeds on both plants and animals
Term
Primary Consumer
Definition
A organism that feeds on plants and small organisms
Term
Decomposer
Definition
A organism that breaks down waste and dead animals
Term
Detrivore
Definition
Insects or other scavengers that feed on wastes or dead bodies.
Term
Detritus
Definition
non-living organic waste material
Term
Resource Partitioning
Definition
Some species evolve adaptations that allow them to reduce or avoid competition for resources with other species
Term
Tertiary
Definition
Animals that feed on animal-eating animals.
Term
Quaternary
Definition
Organisms that feed on tertiary and others. Ex: Humans
Term
Nitrogen fixation
Definition
This is the first step of the nitrogen cycle where specialized bacteria convert gaseous nitrogen to ammonia that can be used by plants. This is done by cyanobacteria or bacteria living in the nodules on the root of various plants.
Term
Nitrification
Definition
Ammonia is converted to nitrite, then to nitrate
Term
Assimilation
Definition
Plant roots absorb ammonium ions and nitrate ions for use in making molecules such as DNA, amino acids and proteins.
Term
Ammonification
Definition
After nitrogen has served its purpose in living organisms, decomposing bacteria convert the nitrogen-rich compounds, wastes, and dead bodies into simpler compounds such as ammonia.
Term
Denitrification
Definition
Nitrate ions and nitrite ions are converted into nitrous oxide gas and nitrogen gas.
This happens when a soil nutrient is reduced and released into the atmosphere as a gas.
Term
Primary Succession
Definition
Begins with a lifeless area where there is no soil
Term
Secondary Succession
Definition
Secondary begins in an area where the natural community has been disturbed, removed, or destroyed, but soil or bottom sediments remain.
Term
Pioneer Ecosystems
Definition
Ecosystems with lichens and moss, for example.
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