C4 Interaction and Interdependence : Ecosystems Flashcards
Populations, communities, transfer of energy and matter
4 types of isolation
- behavioural
- geographical
- reproductive
- temporal
sessile
An organism that is fixed to one location, opposite motile
carrying capacity
The maximum population size of a species that can be sustained by a given environment.
limiting factors
A resource in the environment that can significantly affect a population’s size if it becomes limited.
intraspecific
Referring to interactions or relationships that occur between individuals of the same species.
interspecific
Referring to interactions or relationships that occur between individuals of different species.
density-dependent factors
Factors that influence population dynamics and vary in impact according to the population density eg. competition, predation and disease.
density-independent factors
Factors that influence populations regardless of their size or density eg. climate change, wild fire.
chemosynthetic
Organisms that synthesise organic compounds using inorganic substances and chemical reactions as a source of energy.
biomass
Total mass of living organisms in an ecosystem.
decomposition
The process of breakdown of complex (dead) organic substances into simpler organic or inorganic substances.
saprotrophs
Organisms that obtain nutrients by secreting digestive enzymes followed by absorbing and assimilating the nutrients.
autotrophs
An organism that can produce its own chemical energy using light, inorganic compounds or other energy sources.
primary production
The rate at which producers accumulate carbon compounds in their biomass.
population
A group of organisms of one species, living in the same area at the same time.
