Energy And Matter Flashcards
Biomass
The total mass of biological mater in a given area, at a given time, that can be used as an energy source
Biogeochemical cycle
The cycling of matter through the living components and non-living components of an ecosystem
Carbon cycle
The biogeochemical cycle in which carbon moves through living and no living reservoirs in ecosystem in our biosphere. Carbon cycles quickly through organisms and the atmosphere via cellular respiration and photosynthesis
Carbon sink
A reservoir, such as plants and the ocean that stores carbon because it absorbs more carbon than it releases
Competitive exclusion principal
The theory that no two species can occupy the same ecological niche for an extended period of time
Decomposer
Organisms that break down complex organic matter into simple inorganic molecules: fungi and bacteria are common decomposers it
Dentritivore
An organism that feeds on small pieces of dead plant or animal matter
Detritus
Organic wastes, including faeces and dead tissue
Ecological niche
The role an organism has in its ecosystem and the conditions it requires to persist, including food sources habitat reproduction and relationships
Fundamental niche
The potential role an organism could fulfil if there were no competitors predators or parasites
GPP
The total organic matter in an ecosystem produced by photosynthesis
NPP
The amount of organic matter actually available to herbivores. The GPP less the the energy required by the producers themselves
Nitrogen fixation
The process by which free nitrogen is fixed or combined to form ammonium or nitrate ions before all nitrogen-fixing organisms are prokaryotes
Pyramid of biomass
A representation that shows the relationship between the total amount of organic matter at each trophic level in a given area of a ecosystem
Pyramid of energy
A representation that shows the rate at which energy is transferred from one trophic level to another in a given area of an ecosystem
