Ecosystems and Communities

Aphotic zone

The deep ocean zone that never receives sunlight aphotic zone. The aphotic zone is a part of the ocean where sunlight cannot penetrate, making it dark and unable to support photosynthesis.

Canopy

A dense covering formed by the leafy tops of tall trees. Canopy. In science, a canopy refers to the upper layer of a forest where the treetops form a continuous layer of foliage, providing habitat and regulating climate.

Climate

The average weather conditions of an area, over a long period of time. Climate. Climate is the typical pattern of weather in a region over many years.

Commensalism

A relationship where one species benefits but the other is neither helped nor harmed is called commensalism. In Science, commensalism describes an interaction where one organism benefits while the other isn't affected.

Community

Populations that live in the same habitat. Community. In Science, a community is a group of different species that live together in the same area and interact with each other.

Competitive exclusion

Two species cannot occupy the same niche in a habitat at the same time. Competitive exclusion. Competitive exclusion is when one species outcompetes another for resources, leading to the latter's decline or elimination.

Coniferous

A tree with seed-bearing cones that keeps its needles leaves all year, like a pine or redwood tree. Coniferous trees are plants that produce cones and have needle-like leaves that stay green year-round.

Deciduous

A tree that sheds its leaves each year, like an oak or maple tree. Deciduous. In Science, deciduous refers to trees or plants that lose their leaves annually, typically to conserve water or survive colder seasons.

Desert

A biome with very little rainfall or plant life. Desert. A desert is a dry area where very few plants and animals can survive because there is not enough water.

Ecological succession

A gradual change in a community following a disturbance. Ecological succession. Ecological succession is the natural process where ecosystems recover and develop after a disturbance, like a fallen tree or a fire.

Estuary

An area where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water. Estuary. An estuary is a coastal region where rivers meet the sea, creating a unique environment rich in diverse plant and animal life.

Grassland

A biome covered by grasses and fertile soil. Grassland. Grasslands are large open areas where grasses are the main vegetation, providing habitat and food for many animals.

Habitat

The place where an organism lives. Habitat. A habitat is the natural environment where a plant or animal lives and gets its needs met, like food, water, and shelter.

Intertidal zone

The shoreline between high and low tide. intertidal zone. The intertidal zone is the area where the ocean meets the land, and is covered with water at high tide and exposed at low tide.

Limiting factor

An environmental factor that limits population growth, for example, a drought. Limiting factor. A limiting factor is a condition or resource that restricts the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population in an ecosystem.

Microclimate

The climate within a small area that differs from the surrounding climate. Microclimate. It is a localized climate condition that can occur in areas like forests, cities, or gardens, affecting temperature, humidity, and wind patterns differently from the larger region around it.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship between two species in which both benefit. Mutualism. In mutualism, both species help each other survive and thrive.

Niche

The role an animal or plant plays in its habitat. Niche. In simple terms, a niche is the unique way an organism fits into and interacts with its ecosystem.

Parasitism

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is harmed is called parasitism. In parasitism, one organism lives off another, causing it harm.

Photic zone

The upper ocean with sunlight. Photic zone. The photic zone is the top layer of the ocean where sunlight can penetrate, allowing photosynthesis to occur.

Pioneer species

The first species to populate an area pioneer species. Pioneer species are the initial organisms that colonize a barren environment, preparing it for future life.

Plankton

Tiny microscopic organisms that float or drift in water. Plankton are small creatures in the ocean that are a vital food source for many marine animals.

Predation

An interaction where one organism kills another for food. Predation. In simple terms, predation is when an animal hunts and eats another animal.

Primary succession

Colonization of a barren land by pioneer organisms. Primary succession. Primary succession is the process where life begins to develop in an area that previously had no living organisms.

Secondary succession

In an ecosystem where the community is destroyed but the soil is not. Secondary succession. Secondary succession is the process by which a damaged ecosystem recovers, starting with existing soil and small plants growing back first.

Symbiosis

The close relationship between organisms of different species. Symbiosis. In simple terms, symbiosis is when two different species live together and often help each other survive.

Taiga

An evergreen forest biome with cold winters. Taiga. The taiga is a cold forest region full of coniferous trees like pines and spruces.

Tolerance

An organism's ability to survive against unfavorable environmental factors. Tolerance. In science, tolerance is how well an organism can endure challenging conditions.

Tropical rain forest

A warm biome with a lot of rain and lush plant growth. Tropical rain forest. A tropical rain forest is a dense, warm, and wet forest found near the equator, teeming with diverse plants and animals.

Tundra

A treeless biome with long cold winters and short cool summers tundra. Tundra is a cold, flat area where the ground is often frozen and only certain hardy plants can grow.

Weather

The atmospheric conditions at a specific time and place, like raining and cold. Weather. Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place, including factors like temperature, humidity, and precipitation.

Wetland

An area of land that is periodically underwater. Wetland. Wetlands are ecosystems where the land is saturated with water, creating a habitat for unique plants and animals.