Ecosystems and Resources

Science

A nonliving part of the environment, like water, light or temperature

Abiotic factor

A nonliving part of the environment, like water, light, or temperature. Abiotic factor. Abiotic factors are the nonliving elements of an ecosystem that affect living organisms.

Total mass of all living matter in a given area

Biomass

Total mass of all living matter in a given area. Biomass. Biomass is the total weight of all living things, like plants and animals, in a specific area.

Large areas with similar climates, plants, and animals, like a tundra, taiga or desert

Biome

Large areas with similar climates, plants, and animals, like a tundra, taiga or desert. Biome. A biome is a region on Earth with distinct climate, plants, and animals.

A living factor in the environment, like plants or animals

Biotic factor

A living factor in the environment, like plants or animals. Biotic factor. In simple terms, a biotic factor is any living part of an ecosystem that can affect other organisms.

Carnivore explained in an easy to understand way.

The largest population that an environment can support

Carrying capacity

The largest population that an environment can support. Carrying capacity. Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals an environment's resources can sustainably support without degrading.

A shrubland with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, it is also known as Mediterranean shrubland

Chaparral

A shrubland with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, it is also known as Mediterranean shrubland. Chaparral. Chaparral is an ecosystem characterized by dense, drought-resistant shrubs and is adapted to periodic wildfires.

populations that live in the same habitat

Community explained in an easy to understand way.

unlike a plant, cannot make its own food, instead it eats other living things

Consumer explained in an easy to understand way.

an organism that breaks down dead organisms and waste, like fungi or bacteria

Decomposer explained in an easy to understand way.

A biome with very little rainfall or plant life

Desert

A biome with very little rainfall or plant life. Desert. A desert is a dry area where there is little water, and consequently, very few plants and animals can survive.

all the living and nonliving things interacting in an area

Ecosystem explained in an easy to understand way.

the diagram of energy loss through a food chain

Energy pyramid explained in an easy to understand way.

An area where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water

Estuary

An area where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water. Estuary. An estuary is a coastal area where rivers meet the sea, creating a rich, diverse habitat.

the food energy transfer between organisms in an ecosystem

Food chain explained in an easy to understand way.

a model of overlapping food chains in an ecosystem

Food web explained in an easy to understand way.

Habitat explained in an easy to understand way.

Herbivore explained in an easy to understand way.

Omnivore explained in an easy to understand way.

the process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make food

Photosynthesis explained in an easy to understand way.

The first species to populate an area

Pioneer species

The first species to populate an area pioneer species. Pioneer species are the initial organisms that begin colonizing barren environments, paving the way for other species to establish.

all the organisms of the same species living in the same area

Population explained in an easy to understand way.

an animal that hunts and eats other animals

Predator explained in an easy to understand way.

an animal hunted and eaten by a predator

Prey explained in an easy to understand way.

organism that can make its own food, like all plants

Producer explained in an easy to understand way.

An organism that feeds on animals that are already dead

Scavenger

An organism that feeds on animals that are already dead. Scavenger. Scavengers are animals that eat dead organisms that they did not hunt or kill themselves.

A treeless biome with long cold winters and short cool summers

Tundra

A treeless biome with long cold winters and short cool summers. Tundra. Tundra is a cold, dry region where the ground is often frozen and only hardy plants like mosses and lichens can grow.

An area of land that is periodically underwater

Wetland

An area of land that is periodically underwater. Wetland. A wetland is a natural area where water covers the soil either permanently or seasonally, supporting unique plant and animal life.