7-3| Carrying Capacity and Cycles

Limited resource

• resource that we use faster than we can remake it, such as water.

• resource that is abundant and easily replenished.

• resource that is only available in certain regions.

• resource that can be created artificially without limits.

Niche

• role that a particular species plays in its ecosystem, including all the ways that the species interacts with the biotic and abiotic factors in the ecosystem.

• a term used to describe the physical space an organism occupies in its habitat.

• the total number of individuals of a species in a given area.

• the variety of different species within a specific ecosystem.

Nitrogen Cycle

• A biogeochemical cycle through which nitrogen is recycled through the biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems.

• A process that converts nitrogen gas into ammonia only in the atmosphere.

• A cycle that only involves living organisms without any nonliving components.

• A method of nitrogen storage in the soil without any biological activity.

assimilation

• process of incorporating nitrogen from the soil into plants

• process of converting sunlight into energy

• process of absorbing water from the soil

• process of breaking down organic matter

Water Cycle

• Water evaporates from lakes, rivers, and streams into the atmosphere and forms clouds.

• Water is absorbed by plants and then released into the atmosphere through photosynthesis.

• Water is stored underground and only released during heavy rainfall.

• Water flows directly from the ocean to the atmosphere without any evaporation.

Limiting Factor

• Factors that increase the population size indefinitely.

• Biotic and abiotic factors that keep the growth of a population at its carrying capacity.

• Only biotic factors that affect population growth.

• Environmental factors that have no impact on population size.

Carbon Cycle

• A biogeochemical cycle through which carbon is recycled through the atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere.

• A process that only occurs in the atmosphere.

• A method of carbon storage in the ocean.

• A cycle that only involves living organisms.

Nitrogen Fixation

• The process of converting nitrogen gas into nitrates by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

• The process of absorbing nitrogen from the atmosphere by plants.

• The process of releasing nitrogen gas back into the atmosphere.

• The process of synthesizing proteins from nitrogen compounds.

Carrying Capacity

• The maximum number of individuals that can be supported in a given space based on available resources.

• The average number of individuals that can be supported in a given space based on available resources.

• The total number of individuals that can thrive in an ecosystem regardless of resources.

• The minimum number of individuals required for a species to survive in a habitat.

Fertilizer

• Liquid or solid chemicals containing nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorous which disrupts the natural cycle of elements.

• Organic materials that enhance soil fertility without chemicals.

• Natural minerals that are used to improve plant growth.

• Chemical compounds that only contain nitrogen and are used for pest control.