Cycles of Matter
Water moves through evaporation, condensation, and this process that returns it to Earth
Precipitation
This greenhouse gas is the largest contributor to warming
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
This type of growth creates a J-shaped curve
Exponential growth
Succession that begins with bare rock and no soil
Primary succession
Matter is recycled but energy flows in this direction
One direction
The carbon cycle process that removes CO₂ from the atmosphere
Photosynthesis
The NOAA index that measures greenhouse gas heat trapping
AGGI (Annual Greenhouse Gas Index)
Maximum population an ecosystem can support long-term
Carrying capacity
First organisms to colonize during primary succession
Pioneer species
The role of bacteria that converts nitrogen into usable forms
Nitrogen fixation
This cycle does NOT include an atmospheric stage
Phosphorus cycle
Greenhouse gases trap this type of energy
Heat (infrared energy)
Limiting factors that increase as population size increases
Density-dependent factors
Succession that occurs when soil already exists
Secondary succession
When greenhouse gases increase, global temperature generally does this
Increase
Burning fossil fuels increases the atmospheric component of this cycle
Carbon cycle
The warmest year on record discussed in class using NOAA data
2024
This growth curve forms an S-shape
Logistic growth
Why secondary succession happens faster
Soil is already present
All parts of ecology are this
These organisms recycle nutrients back into soil and water
Decomposers
CO₂, methane, and water vapor are examples of these
Greenhouse gases
Weather and natural disasters are examples of this type of limiting factor
Density-independent factors
Final stable stage of succession
Climax community
Plants remove this gas during photosynthesis