Final Exam Extra Information Flashcards
nutrients
elements that are required for the development, maintenance, and reproduction of organisms
nutrient cycling
the use, transformation, movement, and reuse of nutrients in ecosystems
nutrient pool
the amount of a particular nutrient stored in a position or compartment or an ecosystem
nutrient fluxes
the movement of nutrients between nutrient pools in an ecosystem
mineralization
the conversion from organic to inorganic form
decomposition
the breakdown of organic matter accompanied by release of carbon dioxide
nutrient spiraling
representation of nutrient dynamics in streams adjusted due to downstream displacement of organisms and materials
spiraling length
length of stream required for an atom of nutrient to complete a cycle
primary succession
succession on newly exposed geologic substrates, not significantly modified by organisms
secondary succession
where disturbance destroys a terrestrial community without destroying the soil and succession follows
pioneer community
the first organisms to colonize in a successional sequence following a disturbance or the formation of a new geologic surface
climax community
the late successional community that can persist until disrupted by disturbance
biogeochemical cycling
cyclic flow of nutrients from nonliving to living to nonliving compartments
particulate organic matter
small pieces
dissolved organic matter
very small pieces and organic chemicals
succession
gradual and “directional” change in plant, animal, and microbial community following disturbance
results of succession
facilitation, inhibition, and tolerance
stability
absence of substantial change in community structure/function
resistance
an ecosystem’s ability to maintain structure and function in the face of disturbance
resilience
the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbance
ecological restoration
the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed
