Ecosystems and Ecology Flashcards
(34 cards)
Species
Organisms sharing common characteristics that interbreed and produce fertile offspring
Habitat
The environment a species normally lives in
Niche
An organisms way of life in an ecosystem, including habitat, food, predators, and competition. The biotic and abiotic conditions to which an organism population responds.
Population
A group of organisms of the same species
Natality ( Birth Rate)
Mortality ( Death Rate)
Emigration ( Moving Out)
Immigration ( Moving In)
Abiotic Factors
Non-living physical factors that influence an organism and ecosystem.
- Wind speed
- Temperature
- Light intensity / Insolation
Biotic Factors
Living components of an ecosystem
- Competition
- Parasitism
- Mutualism
- Predation
- Herbivory
Carrying Capacity
Maximum number of a species or load that can be sustainably supported by a given area
Limiting Factors
Factors which slow down growth of a population as it reaches carrying capacity
S Curve Population
Looks like an S and shows the growing capacity with population and time. it is seen when resources are limited.
J Curve Population
Resembles a J and has exponential growth regarding time and population. It is seen when resources are unlimited.
Community
a group of actually or potentially interacting species living in the same location
Ecosystem
Made up of the organisms and physical environment and the interactions between living and non-living components within them.
Photosynthesis
Formula: 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2
Energy Movement: takes the captured energy by the plan and stores it as chemical energy. Makes light into chemical energy.
Respiration
Formula: C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O (glucose + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water)
Energy Movement: The energy in food is converted into energy that can be used by the body’s cells. During cellular respiration, glucose and oxygen are converted into carbon dioxide and water, and the energy is transferred to ATP. Releases energy from organic molecules.
Bioaccumulation
When harmful substances build up in an organism’s body and can cause problems for the environment.
Biomagnification
When harmful substances become more concentrated as they move up the food chain. It can be a big problem for animals and ecosystems.
Food Chain
Shows how energy and nutrients are transferred from one organism to another. It starts with producers (plants), then moves to primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores), and so on. Each organism relies on the one below it for energy.
Food Web
A big network of interconnected food chains. It shows how different organisms in an ecosystem depend on each other for food. Complex web of who eats whom.
Trophic Levels
Different levels in a food pyramid. They show the position of an organism in a food chain based on what it eats and what it eats. It helps us understand the flow of energy in an ecosystem.
Producers/Autotrophs
“Food factories” of an ecosystem. They make their own food through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Foundation of the food chain.
Primary Consumers
First level of eaters in a food chain. They eat the producers (plants) for energy. They are usually herbivores, next up from the producers in the food chain.
Secondary and (Up) consumers
They eat the primary consumers or other secondary consumers. They can be carnivores, omnivores, or even apex predators like lions or sharks. They rely on other organisms for energy.
Decomposers/Detrivores
They eat dead plants and animals, breaking them down into tiny pieces and returning nutrients back to the environment. They help keep the ecosystem clean and healthy.
About how much energy travels to the next trophic level?
About 10%
