Consists of all life on Earth and all parts of the Earth in which life exists, including land, water, and the atmosphere.
Biosphere
The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.
Ecology
A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
ecosystem
nonliving parts of an ecosystem
abiotic factors
living parts of an ecosystem
biotic factors
the variety of life, or the number of species, present within an ecosystem
Biodiversity
a species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed, the ecosystem would change drastically.
keystone species
Damage done to a habitat that results in the loss of resources that organisms need to survive, like food, water, and shelter
habitat degradation
An organism that breaks down wastes and dead organisms; AKA detritivores
Decomposer
An ecological succession that begins in an area where no biotic community previously existed, usually no soil present.
primary succession
Breakup of a habitat into smaller pieces, usually as a result of human activities.
habitat fragmentation
A species, often introduced by humans, that takes hold outside its native range.
invasive species
nonrenewable resourcea natural resource that is used up faster than it can be replaced by natural processes
nonrenewable resource
The increase in chemical concentration in animal tissues as the chemical moves up the food chain
Biomagnification
An ecological succession that occurs after a major disturbance, such as a wildfire, flood, or storm. The soil is usually intact.
secondary succession
capable of being readily decomposed into harmless substances by microorganisms
biodegradable
the system of growing a different crop in a field each year to preserve the fertility of the soil
crop rotation
An organism that makes its own food
producer
An increased concentration of a chemical within an organism over time
bioaccumulation
the rate at which an ecosystem returns to its original state after a disturbance
resilience
the impact of a person or community on the environment, expressed as the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resources.
ecological footprint
A natural resource that can be replaced at the same rate at which the resource is consumed
renewable resource
An organism that obtains energy by feeding on other organisms
consumer
Each step in a food chain or food web
trophic level
2 in 1 question(500=1)(1000=2)
1.) The loss of some or all of a soil's ability to support plant growth.
2.) The cultivation or farming of seafood under controlled conditions
1.) soil degradation
2.) aquaculture