Interelationships Flashcards
Atmosphere
The thin layer of gases that surround the earth
Hydrosphere
All water on the Earth, including vapour in the atmosphere, oceans, lakes, rivers and ice caps
Lithosphere
The soil and rocky crust of the Earth, its mantle, and core of molten roc
Organism
Refers to individual living things.
Species
Group of organisms of the same type, which are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
Population
Group of organisms of the same species living together in the one area.
Community
Consists of a number of populations of different species living together in a particular environment
Outdoor Environment
Environments that have minimal
influence from humans, but may
also include those that have been
subjected to human intervention
Biotic
A living organism
Abiotic
A non-living feature in an environment
Biogeochemical
The cycle in which simple substances
and chemical elements are transferred between living elements and the environment
Photosynthesis
A process used by plants to convert
light energy into chemical energy
to grow
Carbon Dioxide
A colourless, odourless gas
that is the fourth- most abundant in
the atmosphere (approximately
0.04%); it is produced from the
burning of fossil fuels and acts as a
greenhouse gas
Respiration
The physiological process that enables animals to exchange
carbon dioxide
Fossil Fuels
A deposit, such as petroleum,
coal or natural gas, derived from
the accumulated remains of ancient
plants and animals and used as fuel
Precipitation
When water is released from
clouds in the form of rain, freezing rain, sleet, snow or hail
Transpriration
The evaporation of water into the
atmosphere from the leaves and
stems of plants
Geochemical Cycles
The circulation of biological, geological and chemical
substances
Herbivore
Animals that feed on grass and other
plants
Carnivore
Animals or plants that feed on animals
Trophic Level
A feeding level; organisms that
form one link in a food chain;
either producers, consumers or
decomposers
Water Cycle Facts
-There will never be any more fresh water on the earth than there is now
-The water we drink today is the same water that existed when the world began
-Water gets cleaned through the natural process called the water cycle
Water Cycle
The sun’s energy drives the water cycle, with evaporation and precipitation. Plants take up water from the soil, using it in processes like photosynthesis, and release extra water through transpiration. Animals, including humans, release water into the atmosphere through respiration, sweat, and urine. When animals and plants die, their water content is rapidly evaporated into the system.
Nitrogen Cycle
The nitrogen cycle converts nitrogen between different chemical forms. Nitrogen makes up around 80% of the atmosphere and is crucial for organisms to produce proteins, vitamins, and DNA. Plants depend on soil bacteria to convert nitrogen gas into nitrates, which they can absorb through their roots. Animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants and other animals. Nitrogen is returned to the system through feces, urine, and decomposition.
Carbon-Oxygen
During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere into their leaves. The carbon from CO2 is used to create materials like glucose and starch, supporting plant function and structure. Carbon is transferred through the food chain as animals consume plants and each other. Respiration and decomposition release carbon back into the atmosphere. Additionally, burning fossil fuels derived from decomposed plant matter releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Natural processes like volcanic eruptions and erosion can also contribute to atmospheric carbon levels
Renewable Energy
Energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed
Sustainable Energy
Any energy source that cannot be depleted and can remain viable forever
Food Chain
The transfer of food energy begins with the consumption of the producers (green plants) by herbivores and passes through a series of changes or links as herbivores are eaten by carnivores that, in turn, are then consumed by the higher predator carnivores
Food Web
Consists of all food chains in a single organism
