Key Terms Flashcards
Abiotic
Non-Living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms and functioning of ecosystems.
Biotic
Any living components that affects another organism or shapes the ecosystem.
Energy Transfer
The movement of energy from one location to another.
Matter
The substance that makes up an object.
Habitat
The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
Chemical Energy
The energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, like atoms and molecules.
Food Chains
A linear network of links in a food web starting from producer organisms and ending at apex predator species, detritivores, or decomposter species.
Biomass
The total quantity or weight of organisms in a given area or volume.
Food Webs
The natural interconnection of food chains and a graphical representation of what-eats-what in an ecological community.
Population
A group of individuals belonging to the same species living in a particular place at the same time.
Energy Flow Diagram
Used to show energy and energy transformation visually and quantitatively.
Carbon Cycle
The biochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere of the Earth.
Trophic Level
A level in the food chain of an ecosystem based on feeding relationships.
Competitive Exclusion Principle
A key ecological principle that states that no two species can occupy exactly the same niche in an ecosystem.
Nitrogen Cycle
The biochemical cycle by which nitrogen is converted into multiple chemical forms as it circulates among the atmosphere, terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
