Vocab Refresher B Flashcards
(14 cards)
Greenhouse gases
Atmospheric gases that absorb (trap) heat energy, increasing the temperature of the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is an example of such a gas.
Succession
A predictable series of changes that occur to an area with respect to vegetation over time. In a forest ecosystem, once bare ground slowly develops into a forest setting
Predator and prey relation
A relationship between two animals where the population of one will feed on and influence the population of the other.
EX: a fox population and a mouse population
Renewable resources
Those resources that can be replaced, recycled or renewed, such as water, air, or trees
Carrying capacity
The population that can be supported by the available nutrients and space within an ecosystem. This concept is usually shown by a graph.
Acid rain
The release of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon compounds into the atmosphere the reacts with moisture producing precipitation with a pH of less than 7. This harmful precipitation can destroy habitats, especially in areas east of the release of the pollutants.
Decomposers
Organisms that break down food and recycle organic material from decaying or dead organisms, examples: bacteria and fungi(mushrooms)
Available resources
Those nutrients that support the growth of a population. When present, they allow the population to grow and maintain itself, When absent, they can limit the growth of the population
Fossil fuel
Energy sources such as gas coal, and oil that were formed from the decayed remains of ancient living organisms such as plants
CFC’s
Chlorofluorocarbons were once used in refrigerants like air conditioners and aerosol cans. they can lead to ozone depletion
Invasive species
Non-native species that have been introduced into a new area. these species have no natural population checks so they outcompete and take over habitats of native species. An example is the plant purple loosestrife, found in NYC
Ozone depletion
The break down of the ozone layer in the atmosphere by man-made chemicals such as CFC’s, allowing harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth’s surface
Global warming
Multiple complex conditions, such as increasing greenhouse gases and ozone depletion, that cause the Earth’s atmosphere to heat up. This increased atmospheric temperature can lead to habitat destruction and eventually to extinction of certain species
Limiting nutrients
Items that an organism requires in order to survive including water, air, and nutrients
