BackGeneral Biology: Key Ecology and Energy Flow Terms
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Terms in this set (21)
A pathway by which a chemical element or molecule moves through both biotic and abiotic compartments of Earth.
The use of organisms to add essential nutrients or substances to a degraded ecosystem to restore its health.
The use of living organisms, such as microbes, to detoxify and restore polluted environments.
Organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Organisms that consume detritus (dead organic matter) to obtain energy and nutrients.
Dead organic matter, including fallen leaves, dead animals, and waste products.
A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment as a system.
The enrichment of an ecosystem with chemical nutrients, typically leading to excessive plant growth and oxygen depletion.
The total amount of energy captured by primary producers through photosynthesis in an ecosystem.
Mass cannot be created or destroyed in a closed system; it only changes forms or locations.
The nutrient in shortest supply relative to demand that limits the growth of organisms in an ecosystem.
The net carbon accumulation in an ecosystem; calculated as GPP minus total ecosystem respiration.
The energy remaining after primary producers use some for respiration; available to consumers.
Organisms that feed directly on primary producers (plants or algae).
Autotrophs that produce organic compounds from inorganic sources, usually via photosynthesis.
The synthesis of organic compounds from atmospheric or aquatic carbon dioxide, mainly by photosynthesis.
The percentage of energy stored in assimilated food that is converted into new biomass.
Organisms that eat primary consumers; typically carnivores or omnivores.
The generation of biomass by heterotrophic organisms in an ecosystem.
Organisms that feed on secondary consumers; often top predators in a food chain.
The percentage of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next in a food chain.