Ecology vocab

Pioneer Species

• The first species to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems, beginning a chain of ecological succession.

• Species that are the last to colonize an ecosystem after a disturbance.

• Species that thrive in stable and unchanging environments.

• Species that are primarily responsible for nutrient cycling in an ecosystem.

Succession

• The process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time.

• A method of plant reproduction involving seeds.

• The gradual increase in temperature of a substance over time.

• A type of ecological disaster that leads to species extinction.

Sustainability

• The ability of an ecosystem to maintain biodiversity and production indefinitely

• The process of reducing waste and pollution

• The practice of using resources faster than they can be replenished

• The ability to adapt to climate change and environmental challenges

Population

• A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.

• A collection of different species in a habitat.

• The total number of organisms in an ecosystem.

• A random sample of individuals from a larger group.

Producer

• An organism that can make its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, typically plants.

• An organism that consumes other organisms for energy.

• An organism that decomposes organic material.

• An organism that relies on external sources for food.

Parasitism

• A type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

• A mutual relationship where both organisms benefit.

• A relationship where one organism lives independently of the other.

• A type of symbiotic relationship where one organism lives with, on, or in a host and harms it.

Abiotic Factors

• Living components of an ecosystem, such as plants and animals.

• Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, temperature, and water.

• Factors that affect the growth of living organisms, such as nutrients and soil quality.

• Biotic interactions between species in an ecosystem.

Conservation

• The practice of using less of a resource so that it can last longer.

• The act of destroying natural habitats for urban development.

• The process of increasing resource consumption for economic growth.

• The method of recycling materials to reduce waste.

Precipitation

• Any form of water - liquid or solid - falling from the sky, including rain, sleet, snow, and hail.

• Only liquid water that falls from the sky, such as rain.

• Water vapor that condenses in the atmosphere and forms clouds.

• Any form of water that is stored in lakes and rivers.

Biotic Factors

• A living or once living part of an organism's habitat

• The non-living components of an ecosystem

• The physical environment where organisms live

• The interactions between different species in an ecosystem