Ecosystems Flashcards
Heterotroph
An organism that obtains its carbon and energy from other organisms
Autotroph
An organism that manufactures its own food from simple molecules
Species
A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
Habitat
The part of the environment in which an organism resides (stream or grassland)
Carbon Cycle
The biogeochemical cycle in which carbon is exchanged amongst the atmosphere
and the biosphere of Earth
Decomposer
An organism that feeds on decaying matter (detritus) and returns important
nutrients back into the ecosystem
Herbivore
An organism that feeds exclusively on plant materials
Population
Number of organisms of the same species living together in a group at a particular place
Physiological adaptations
Adaptations which allow an animal or plant a better chance of survival by altering its
interior biochemical processes
Producer
An organism occupying the first trophic level. Gains energy via photosynthesis
Construction of a scientific name
genus + species
Pre-zygotic mechanisms
Reproductive isolating mechanisms which prevent fertilisation of gametes from
occurring
Post-zygotic mechanisms
Reproductive isolating mechanisms which allow gametes to be fertilised but prevent
the offspring from surviving or reproducing
Structural adaptations
Adaptations which allow an animal or plant a better chance of survival by altering its
exterior shape
Structural adaptations
Adaptations which allow an animal or plant a better chance of survival by altering its
exterior shape
Primary succession
The first development of life in a newly exposed area of land
Secondary succession
Regeneration of a previously developed ecosystem after a natural disaster or
catastrophic event which has left the soil intact
Parasitism
One benefits and one suffers
Community
A naturally occurring group of organisms of different types living within the same
environment and interacting together.
Predation
One eats the other
Mutualism
Both benefits
Commensalism
One benefits and one is neutral
Nitrogen Cycle
The biogeochemical cycle involving conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into
ammonia and conversion of ammonia into nitrates and nitrites by bacteria
Zonation
A spatial change in the distribution of species caused by variation of the environment
