ecological levels of organization and biomes
Low precipitation
Extreme temp. changes
Cacti
Animals regulate body temp
Desert
Producers
autotrophs) make their own food
Symbiosis
an interaction between individuals of different biological species.
Biogeochemical Cycles
Predictable cyclic pathways that follow chemical elements or molecules as the elements or molecules travel through the living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
Succession
when the population or number of species change over time.
Long cold winters
Short mild summers
Poor soil
Pine trees (conifers)
Moose and elk
Coniferous forest--Taiga
Consumers
(heterotrophs) have to consume or eat others for energy
commensalism
One organism benefits and the other is neither harmed nor affected
Carbon/Oxygen Cycle
Photosynthesis – Producers take in carbon dioxide and water to make glucose and oxygen
* this helps REMOVE CO2 from the atmosphere
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life and its processes, including the variety of living organisms, the genetic difference among them and where they occur.
found on land
Terrestrial
Energy Pyramid
An average of only 10% of the energy from the previous level moves to the next level. The rest is used up or lost as heat energy.
mutualism
Both organisms benefit
Nitrogen cycle
Organisms require nitrogen to survive because nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids (proteins) and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA).
Greenhouse effect
Many human activities such as an increased burning of fossil fuels from factories and transportation, in addition to cattle releasing methane gas through wastes, are increasing the amounts of greenhouse gasses
Standing water
High species diversity
Wetlands
food chain
A food chain describes the feeding relationships and energy flow between species within an ecosystem.
predation
One organism benefits and the other is harmed
Denitrification
bacteria convert nitrates to N2 gas to be released back into the environment
Habitat fragmentation
altering the land in a way that confuses the animals and disrupts their natural way of living. EXAMPLE- building roads or attractions in natural areas
What is ecology?
The study of the study interactions between different organisms, as well as the organisms and their physical environment
food web
A food web is a group of interconnected food chains.
Carrying Capacity
The number of living things an ecosystem can support.
Percolation
when water soaks into the ground and fills spaces in rocks and sand
Pioneer species
the first species to colonize an area
The climax community is the last plant community.