natural bio Flashcards
(30 cards)
Trophic Level
The position an organism occupies in a food chain, such as producer, primary consumer, or tertiary consumer.
Nitrogen Fixation
The process by which certain bacteria convert nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into forms that plants can absorb and use.
Decomposer
An organism that breaks down dead matter and recycles nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Commensalism
An interaction between two species where one benefits and the other is unaffected.
Keystone Species
A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem compared to its abundance.
Biodiversity
The total variety of organisms in a given area, including all species of plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Invasive Species
A non-native species introduced to a new habitat that spreads rapidly and disrupts local ecosystems.
Carbon Cycle
The movement of carbon through the environment via processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition.
Mutualism
A relationship where both species benefit from interacting with each other.
Parasitism
A relationship where one species benefits while the other is harmed, often seen in parasites and their hosts.
10% Rule
The idea that only a small portion of energy (around 10%) is passed from one trophic level to the next.
Food Chain
A single pathway showing how energy flows from one organism to another in an ecosystem.
Food Web
A complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem.
Primary Consumer
An organism that consumes producers (plants) as its main source of food.
Producer
An organism that captures energy from the sun (or chemicals) to produce its own food, like plants and algae.
Ecology
The study of interactions and connections in nature, including human impact.
Biodiversity (in ecosystems)
The variety of life, including genetic differences within and between species.
Climate Change
Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, mainly caused by human activities.
Greenhouse Effect
Natural process where gases trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere, keeping it warm enough for life.
Key Greenhouse Gases
Water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄).
Global Warming
The rise in Earth’s average temperature due to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Consequences of Climate Change
Sea level rise, melting ice, stronger storms, droughts, food and water shortages.
Species at Risk
20–30% of species could face extinction due to climate change.
Reduced Biodiversity (Effects)
Makes ecosystems less resilient to change; increases risk of ecosystem collapse.
