Vocab 1-20 (Biodiversity and Cycles/Processes)

allowing the use of resources in a responsible manner

setting aside areas and protecting them from human activities

species whose role in an ecosystem is more important than others (sea otters, bears, prairie dogs)

species that serve as an early warning that an ecosystem is being damaged (ex. trout)

small range, large territory, or live on an island

a group of organisms in danger of becoming extinct if the situation does not improve; population numbers drop below the critical # of organisms.

non-native species in an area; often thrive and disrupt ecosystem balance.

Evaporation, transpiration, runoff, condensation, precipitation, infiltration

atmospheric N2 cannot be used directly by plants so must be converted to ammonia (NH3) by bacteria

nitrogen is converted into ammonia by ammonifying bacteria

ammonia (NH3) is converted to nitrate ions (NO3) -

• inorganic N2 is converted to organic molecules such as DNA/amino acids and proteins. • plants assimilate nitrogen as (NH4)^+/(NO3)^- through roots) • herbivores assimilate by eating plants

• bacteria convert nitrate (NO3)^- and nitrite (NO2)^- back into N2 gas • bacteria convert ammonia (NH)^3 back into N2/N2O

it does not exist as a gas but is released by weathering of phosphate (PO4)^-3 rocks (sedimentary cycle)

• runoff of animal wastes, fertilizer, sewage discharge • freshwater ecosystem limiting factor • excess P leads to eutrophication

• plants convert atmospheric carbon (CO2) into glucose (C6H12O6) • energy input, oxygen output/waste product

• O2 consuming producers • consumers + decomposers break down organic compounds and concert C back into CO2 • energy input + oxygen is consumed in the process

• break down of carbohydrates w/out oxygen • products are methane (CH4), alcohols, and other organics

process where water is absorbed by plant roots, moves up through plants, passes through pores (stomata) in leaves, and evaporates into atm. as water vapor

• carbonate (CO3)^2- • rocks • oceans