Vocab 1-20 (Biodiversity and Cycles/Processes) Flashcards
allowing the use of resources in a responsible manner
Conservation
setting aside areas and protecting them from human activities
Preservation
species whose role in an ecosystem is more important than others (sea otters, bears, prairie dogs)
Keystone species
species that serve as an early warning that an ecosystem is being damaged (ex. trout)
Indicator species
small range, large territory, or live on an island
Characteristics of endangered species
a group of organisms in danger of becoming extinct if the situation does not improve; population numbers drop below the critical # of organisms.
Endangered species
non-native species in an area; often thrive and disrupt ecosystem balance.
Invasive/Alien/Exotic species
Evaporation, transpiration, runoff, condensation, precipitation, infiltration
Hydrogen Cycle
atmospheric N2 cannot be used directly by plants so must be converted to ammonia (NH3) by bacteria
Nitrogen-fixing
nitrogen is converted into ammonia by ammonifying bacteria
Ammonification
ammonia (NH3) is converted to nitrate ions (NO3) -
Nitrification
- inorganic N2 is converted to organic molecules such as DNA/amino acids and proteins.
- plants assimilate nitrogen as (NH4)^+/(NO3)^- through roots)
- herbivores assimilate by eating plants
Assimilation
- bacteria convert nitrate (NO3)^- and nitrite (NO2)^- back into N2 gas
- bacteria convert ammonia (NH)^3 back into N2/N2O
Denitrification
it does not exist as a gas but is released by weathering of phosphate (PO4)^-3 rocks (sedimentary cycle)
Phosphorus does not circulate as easily as nitrogen b/c:
- runoff of animal wastes, fertilizer, sewage discharge
- freshwater ecosystem limiting factor
- excess P leads to eutrophication
How excess phosphorus is added to aquatic ecosystems:
