Life processes in the biosphere

The study of organisms to assess how they can be grouped or classified

The sequence of changes in community composition as an area is colonised and develops to become the climax community. 5 stages - nudation (bare land), invasion, competition, coaction, reaction, climax. eg. After a forest fire, grasses might grow, then shrubs, then trees until there is a mature forest.

All the populations of all the species living in an area.

The greatest population that can be supported sustainably in an area.

A large geographical region with particular climatic features and a characteristic, unique community of species.

Also known as a limiting factor. Any force that influences the size of a population of living things regardless of population density eg earthquake - it will kill all members of a population, whether the population is large or small. Also could be food limitation, pollutants, climate extremes eg monsoon

An organism that gains its energy from light or chemical reactions, not by eating other organisms. They can produce their own food. eg plants Sometimes called producers.

Any force that affects the size of a population of living things in response to the density of the population eg disease (spreads faster in areas where individuals live in close proximity). Also competition for food, water, nesting sites.

Factors relating to the soil. Eg. soil texture, ph level, aeration, mineral levels etc.

The transfer of male gametes (pollen) onto the female part of a flower, followed by fertilisation

A community of organisms, their inter relationships and interactions with the abiotic environment

A group of closely related species. It’s a taxonomic group covering more than one species.

An organism that gets its food energy from other organisms eg animals, fungi, bacteria. It eats other plants or animals for energy and nutrients.

All the individuals of a species living in a particular area

The place where an organism, species or population lives.