Ecology Flashcards
Photosynthesis
The process that plants go through to generate their energy
Cellular respiration
The process that uses glucose to make energy
Atmosphere
Layer of gas surrounding earth
Biosphere
the part of earth where life can exist
Lithosphere
The outer solid layer of earth; earth’s solid surface
Hydrosphere
the water on earth
Autotrophs
uses photosynthesis; producer
Heterotrophs
relies on autotrophs for energy; consumers
Keystone species
most important species; ecosystem cannot survive w/out it
Sustainability
The ability to maintain ecosystem balance
Biodiversity
The variety of species found in an area
Bioaccumulation
A process by which chemicals are absorbed by an organism
Biomagnification
A process in which the concentration of a substance increases as it passes up the food chain
Biome
A large geographic area that has a unique climate , set of living and non-living features
Food chain
linear rep of feeding levels; does not exist in nature
