Vocab
Definition of "Deforestation"?
Removal of a forest for non-forest purposes
Definition of "Human Activities"?
Things that people do, or cause to happen.
Definition of "Producers"?
Organisms that are capable of performing photosynthesis, or transforming energy from sunlight and using carbon dioxide and water to make food
Carbon moves throughout the world in a process called?
The Carbon Cycle
Deforestation is a process in which-
Forests and trees are rapidly removed during land development
Definition of "Natural Disaster"? (and provide some examples)
A force of nature that results in catastrophic consequences, examples are; earthquakes, hurricanes or tornadoes, tsunamis, wildfires, etc..
Definition of "Species Diversity"?
The number of species within a community.
Definition of "Decomposers"?
Organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down the remains of dead plants and animals without the need for internal digestion
Burning fossil fuels contributes to what global issue?
Climate change (or ocean acidification)
What constitutes a stable ecosystem?
When the losses of the ecosystem equals the gains of the ecosystem, creating a balance, or stable ecosystem
Definition of "Invasive Species"?
A non-native species brought into an area that competes for resources, and causes problems for the native species.
Definition of "Ecological Diversity"?
The variation in an ecosystem
Definition of "Succession"?
A change in the type of species present in a community over time
More biodiversity leads to greater ______ in ecosystems
Stability
Why would having a large variety of organisms lead to greater stability in an ecosystem?
A diverse ecosystem can withstand environmental changes, and have greater biodiversity which boosts stability.
Definition of "Ocean Acidification", and provide causes.
The process that makes the ocean more acidic from the increased absorption of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), some causes are; The burning of fossil fuels, pollution, Deforestation, human activities, etc..
Definition of "Primary Succession"?
The development of an ecological community in a previously uninhabited location.
Definition of "Keystone Species"?
A species that, if removed from an ecosystem, would cause a major change in that ecosystem
What do greenhouse gases do?
They trap heat from the sun in the atmosphere, and keep the planet warm at night
Why does the introduction of an invasive species effect an ecosystem?
Invasive Species compete for resources with the native species, and eat important native species which can disrupt the ecosystem
What is "Biodiversity"?
The sum of the different living things in a given area or population
Definition of "Secondary Succession"?
When an area that was once inhabited goes through a disturbance or destruction, like wildfires or floods.
Definition of "Pioneer Species"?
The first species to inhabit a new location
What elements are the 2 major greenhouse gases?
Methane and Carbon Dioxide
Why does over hunting and over fishing have a negative effect on Biodiversity of ecosystems?
Removal populations of the organisms being hunted or fished threatens endangered species, and disrupts food webs/ecosystems.