environment challenges 4 Flashcards
energy
most important cycle in ecosystems
energy passes between trophic levels (feeding ranks)
trophic categories: autotrophs (PRODUCERS)
organisms create organic matter from photosynthesis (ex. tree)
primary consumers
trophic categories: heterotrophs (CONSUMERS)
organisms consume organic material produced by other organisms (producers and some other consumers) (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores)
secondary consumers - feed on primary
heterotroph types
detritivores - no enzyme, digestion
decomposers - secrete enzyme
these both consume non-living organic matter
FOOD WEB - feeding relationship in a community
grass (autotroph)–> grasshopper –> squirrel/rodent –> hawk –> fox
trophic (ecological pyramid)
there is more autotrophs (bottom of pyramid) than heterotrophs
things at the top of the pyramid require more energy
biome
groupings of similar ecosystems
landscape
group of interacting ecosystems
ecotone
transition area between ecosystems
community vs population
community = different species in the same area
population = same species in same area
optimal range/ limits of tolerance
all species have an optimal range of conditions for growth (climate, geology/pedology, water availability, altitude)
local/ micro-climates
climate of a small area, different from rest of area due to special features (ex. hill)
SYSTEM
network of RELATIONSHIPS with components that interact and influence one another through exchange of energy, matter or information
emergent properties
characteristics that don’t show individual components (ex. tree)
sub0systems/nested system
each part functions on its own
