Chp1 Flashcards
(27 cards)
Biosphere
the thin layer around the earths surface where life (bio) exists
Atmosphere
The thin layer of air around the earths surface where nutrients to support life and living organisms can be found
Lithosphere
Thin rocky layer “lithos” on earths surface that supports life
Biotic factors
Living things that influence the existence stance of life in the biosphere
Biotic factors
Living things that influence the existence of life in the biosphere
Abiotic factors
Non living things that influence the existence of life in the biosphere
Organism
Any living thing sharing common characteristics with other similar living things
Population
A group of similar organisms living in a defined area
Community
A group of different populations living in a defined area
Ecosystems
A group of different biotic and abiotic factors supporting life in a defined area
Terrestrial
Land based
Aquatic
Water based
Fresh water
Pond lake river
Marine
Saltwater (oceans)
Biome
A group of different ecosystems sharing common climate and environmental conditions
Organisms life together in different relationships that can be divided into 3 main categories
Symbiosis
Predation
Competition
Symbiosis
Symbiosis is a close and long-term interaction between two different species. It can benefit both, one, or neither organism. There are three main types:
• Mutualism: Both species benefit (e.g., bees and flowers).
• Commensalism: One benefits, the other is not affected (e.g., barnacles on a whale).
• Parasitism: One benefits, the other is harmed (e.g., ticks on a dog).
Predation
Predation is when one organism (the predator) hunts, kills, and eats another organism (the prey).
Example: A lion (predator) hunting a zebra (prey).
Competition
Competition happens when two or more organisms fight for the same limited resources, such as food, water, or territory.
• It can occur within a species (intraspecific) or between different species (interspecific).
Example: Two lions fighting over territory or a lion and a hyena competing for the same carcass.
Nutrient cycle
Nutrient cycles (also called biogeochemical cycles) describe how essential elements move through the environment and living things.
Water Cycle (Hydrologic Cycle)
Moves water through the atmosphere, land, and living things.
Main steps:
• Evaporation – Water changes from liquid to gas.
• Condensation – Water vapor forms clouds.
• Precipitation – Water falls as rain, snow, etc.
• Collection – Water collects in oceans, lakes, rivers.
• Transpiration – Plants release water vapor.
Carbon Cycle
Moves carbon through the atmosphere, organisms, and the earth.
Main steps:
• Photosynthesis – Plants take in carbon dioxide (CO₂) to make food.
• Respiration – Organisms release CO₂ when they breathe.
Nitrogen Cycle
Moves nitrogen through the atmosphere, soil, and organisms.
Main steps:
• Nitrogen fixation – Bacteria turn nitrogen gas (N₂) into usable forms.
• Nitrification – Other bacteria convert it into nitrates.
• Assimilation – Plants absorb nitrates, animals eat plants.
• Ammonification – Waste/dead organisms return nitrogen to soil.
• Denitrification – Bacteria turn nitrates back into nitrogen gas.
Chlorophyll
Responsible for plants being green
