Enviro Flashcards
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Matter (Nutrients)
Cycles through ecosystems in processes like the nitrogen and carbon cycles. Resources must be recycled.
Mutualism
A relationship where both organisms benefit (e.g., tickbird eats ticks off a zebra).
Autotrophs (Producers)
make their own food through photosynthesis (plants)
Heterotrophs (Consumers)
Must consume other organisms for food.
Carnivores
Eat other animals (e.g., lions, cheetahs).
Biotic Factors
Living parts of an ecosystem (e.g., animals, plants, bacteria). They influence the lives of other organisms.
Abiotic Factors
Non-living parts of an ecosystem (e.g., sunlight, heat, soil, water). They provide the physical environment organisms live in.
Energy
Flows through ecosystems (e.g., food webs). Energy is lost as heat during each transfer (only about 10% of energy is passed from one trophic level to the next).
Scavengers
Eat dead animals (e.g., vultures, hyenas).
Decomposers
Break down dead matter (e.g., bacteria, fungi).
Detritivores
Feed on dead organic material (e.g., earthworms).
Food Chain
A linear sequence of organisms eating each other for energy.
Food Web
A complex network of many food chains in an ecosystem.
Trophic Levels
Primary producers → Primary consumers → Secondary consumers → Tertiary consumers.
10% Rule
Only 10% of energy is passed from one level to the next.
First Law of Thermodynamics
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or changed in form.
Second Law of Thermodynamics
When energy is transferred, its quality decreases (e.g., some energy is lost as heat).
Ecological Efficiency
Only 2-40% of energy is transferred between trophic levels. Typically 10% is used in calculations.
Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)
Total solar energy captured by producers.
Net Primary Productivity (NPP)
GPP minus the energy used by producers during respiration.
NPP Formula
NPP = GPP - Respiration.
Positive Feedback Loops
Amplify changes (e.g., population growth).
Negative Feedback Loops
Counteract changes (e.g., seeking shade to cool down).
Water Cycle
Condensation → Precipitation → Infiltration → Runoff → Transpiration → Evaporation.
Carbon Cycle
Photosynthesis absorbs CO₂, respiration releases it. Decomposition releases carbon
Nitrogen Fixation
a chemical process that converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which is absorbed by organisms
converts nitrogen in the atmosphere into forms that plants can absorb through their root systems.
Nitrification
Nitrification is a process in the nitrogen cycle where bacteria convert ammonia (NH₃) into nitrites (NO₂⁻) and then into nitrates (NO₃⁻). Plants can absorb nitrates from the soil to use as nutrients for growth. This process helps recycle nitrogen in the environment.
Ammonification
Ammonification is when bacteria break down dead plants and animals, releasing ammonia into the soil. This ammonia can then be used by plants or turned into other forms of nitrogen.
Denitrification
NO₃- → N₂ (returned to the atmosphere).
Phosphorus Cycle
Rocks → Soil → Water systems. Excess phosphorus leads to eutrophication in water bodies.
Sulfur Cycle
Sources include volcanoes and the smell of rotten eggs. Sulfur contributes to acid rain
Tundra
A cold, treeless biome found in the Arctic and high mountain regions. It has a short growing season, permafrost, and low biodiversity, with plants like mosses and lichens.
Taiga (Boreal Forest)
A biome characterized by coniferous forests (pine, spruce, fir) found in northern regions. It has cold winters, mild summers, and moderate rainfall.
Temperate Rainforest
Found along coastlines with cool climates and heavy rainfall. These forests have tall trees like cedars, firs, and spruces, with lush vegetation.
Temperate Forest
A biome with deciduous trees (oak, maple, beech) that lose their leaves in winter. It has four distinct seasons with moderate rainfall.
Tropical Rainforest
A hot, humid biome near the equator with dense, tall trees and a wide variety of plants and animals. It has the highest biodiversity of any biome.
Desert
A dry biome with little rainfall. Plants and animals have adapted to survive with minimal water. Temperatures can vary from extremely hot to cold.
Grassland
A biome dominated by grasses, with few trees. It has moderate rainfall and is found in regions like prairies or savannas. Supports herbivores like bison or zebras.
Savanna
A grassy biome with scattered trees and a warm climate. It has a distinct wet and dry season in Africa, South America, and Australia.
Streams
Small, flowing bodies of freshwater that move in one direction. Often start from springs or melting snow.
Rivers
Large, flowing bodies of freshwater that move toward the ocean or a lake. They provide habitats for a variety of aquatic life.
Lakes
Large, still bodies of freshwater surrounded by land. They can support diverse ecosystems, including fish, birds, and aquatic plants.
Oceans
The largest biome, covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface. Oceans are saltwater bodies with varying temperatures and immense biodiversity.
Coral Reefs
Marine ecosystems found in shallow, warm waters. Coral reefs are built by corals and are home to a vast array of marine species.
Wetlands
Areas where land is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands support plants like reeds and cattails and provide important habitats for wildlife.
Estuaries
Where freshwater rivers meet the ocean, creating brackish water (a mix of fresh and saltwater). Estuaries are nutrient-rich and support diverse ecosystems.
Kelp Forests
Underwater ecosystems formed by dense growths of kelp, found in cold, nutrient-rich coastal waters. They provide habitat and shelter for marine life.
Hydrothermal Vents
Fissures in the ocean floor where heated water rich in minerals is released from beneath the Earth’s crust. These vents support unique ecosystems adapted to extreme conditions.
