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Cycles
-Nitrogen-the series of processes by which nitrogen and its compounds are interconverted in the
environment and in living organisms, including nitrogen fixation and decomposition.
-Water-the cycle of processes by which water circulates between the earth's oceans, atmosphere, and land,
involving precipitation as rain and snow, drainage in streams and rivers, and return to the atmosphere by
evaporation and transpiration.
-Carbon-the series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment,
chiefly involving the incorporation of carbon dioxide into living tissue by photosynthesis and its return to
the atmosphere through respiration, the decay of dead organisms, and the burning of fossil fuels.
Climate Zones
-Climate-are divisions of the Earth's climates into general climate zones according to average
temperatures and average rainfall. The three major climate zones on the Earth are the polar, temperate,
and tropical zones.
-Weather-the state of the atmosphere at a place and time as regards heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain,
etc.
Human Impact-Human impact on the environment or anthropogenic impact on the environment includes
changes to biophysical environments and ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources caused directly
or indirectly by humans
Independent- The variable in a functional relation whose value is independent, or is not affected by other
variables.
Dependent-he variable in a functional relation whose value is dependent upon, or influenced by, an
independent variable.
Photosynthesis-the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize
foods from carbon dioxide and water. Photosynthesis in plants generally involves the green pigment
chlorophyll and generates oxygen as a byproduct.
Cellular Respiration-Cellular respiration is a set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in
the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP),
and then release waste products. ... Respiration is one of the key ways a cell releases chemical energy to
fuel cellular activity.
Biosphere-the regions of the surface, atmosphere, and hydrosphere of the earth (or analogous parts of
other planets) occupied by living organisms.
Biomes-a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g., forest
or tundra.
Trophic Levels-each of several hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, comprising organisms that share the
same function in the food chain and the same nutritional relationship to the primary sources of energy.
Ecological Succession-Ecological succession is the process of change in the species structure of an
ecological community over time. ... It is a phenomenon or process by which an ecological community
undergoes more or less orderly and predictable changes following a disturbance or the initial colonization
of a new habitat.
Abiotic-In biology and ecology, abiotic components or abiotic factors are non-living chemical and
physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems. Abiotic
factors and the phenomena associated with them underpin all biology.
Biotic-In biology and ecology, abiotic components or abiotic factors are non-living chemical and physical
parts of the environment that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems. Abiotic factors
and the phenomena associated with them underpin all biology.
10% Rule-10% of energy move on
Niche-a shallow recess, especially one in a wall to display a statue or other ornament.
Population-all the inhabitants of a particular town, area, or country.
Carrying Capacity-the number of people, other living organisms, or crops that a region can support
without environmental degradation.
Autotroph-an organism that is able to form nutritional organic substances from simple inorganic
substances such as carbon dioxide.
Heterotroph-an organism deriving its nutritional requirements from complex organic substances.