Ecosystems Glossary

Question 1

Abiotic components

Answer 1

Non-living environmental factors that have influence over the ecosystem (e.g. climate, light exposure, soil type)

Question 2

Biome

Answer 2

Also known as a global-scale ecosystem; a large, distinct region of the Earth with similar climate, soil, plants and animals

Question 3

Biotic components

Answer 3

Living organisms that interact with the environment and other organisms within an ecosystem

Question 4

Coniferous forest biome

Answer 4

A biome located at high latitudes, characterised by conifer trees and a cold climate

Question 5

Consumers

Answer 5

Organisms that receive energy from consuming (i.e. eating) living organisms

Question 6

Decomposers

Answer 6

Organisms that break down organic material and release the nutrients back into the ecosystem

Question 7

Desert biome

Answer 7

A biome located around 30 degrees north and south of the equator, characterised by extremely low precipitation levels and extreme daily temperature fluctuations

Question 8

Ecosystem

Answer 8

A natural system in which a community of plants and animals interact with each other and their physical environment

Question 9

Eutrophication

Answer 9

The growth of algae in a body of water due to excess nutrients, leading to the depletion of oxygen in an aquatic ecosystem

Question 10

Food chain

Answer 10

A linear relationship showing the biotic interactions within an ecosystem, from a producer to a final consumer

Question 11

Food web

Answer 11

A representation of the interactions between multiple producers and consumers within a specific ecosystem, shown through a series of different food webs

Question 12

Mediterranean biome

Answer 12

A biome located between 40 and 45 degrees north of the equator (and in isolated spots south of the equator), characterised by mild, moist winters and hot, dry summers

Question 13

Nutrient cycling

Answer 13

The transfer of nutrients through an ecosystem, from the decay of organic material into the production and energy of living organisms

Question 14

Producers

Answer 14

Organisms that convert energy from the environment (mainly sunlight) into sugars (glucose)

Question 15

Savanna biome

Answer 15

A biome located around 15 to 30 degrees north and south of the equator, characterised by high temperatures, very dry summers and very wet winters

Question 16

Temperate deciduous forest biome

Answer 16

A biome located around 40 to 45 degrees north and south of the equator, characterised by deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves) and moderate precipitation

Question 17

Temperate grassland biome

Answer 17

A biome located in non-coastal areas around 30 to 40 degrees north and south of the equator, characterised by low precipitation and grasses as the major vegetation

Question 18

Tropical rainforest biome

Answer 18

A biome located near the equator, characterised by very high precipitation and sustained warm temperatures

Question 19

Tundra biome

Answer 19

A biome located in the far northern hemisphere, characterised by very cold conditions and permanently frozen soils