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24 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
Natural selection |
The process that makes change possible in living things. Members of species having certain characteristics that give them advantage over over other members of that species. |
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Adaptive radiation |
Term used to describe the change from a common ancestor into a number of different species that radiate out to inhabit different niches. |
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Ecological succession |
Term used to refer to changes that take place over time in the types of organisms that live in an area. |
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Primary succession |
Occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as on bare rock. (Ex. Moss growing on a rock in the middle of a volcanic landscape) |
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Pioneer species |
Term scientists use to describe the lichens and other plants that are the first organisms to survive and reproduce in an area. |
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Climax community |
The process of primary succession that leads to the development of a mature community. ( ex. Boreal forest,deserts) |
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Secondary succession |
The reintroduction of life after a disturbance to an area that already has soil and was once the home of living organisms |
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Sustainability |
The ability of an ecosystem to sustain ecological processes and maintain biodiversity over time; using natural resources in a way that maintains ecosystem health now and for future generations |
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Land use |
The way we use the land around us for urban development, agriculture, industry, mining, and forestry. |
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Resource use |
The ways we obtain and use minerals such soil,wood, water,gas,etc. |
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Habitat loss |
The destruction of habitats (usually results from human activity) |
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Habitat fragmentation |
The division of habitats into smaller, isolated fragments. This affects plant pollination, seed dispersal, wildlife movement, and plant and animal reproduction. |
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Deforestation |
Practice I'm which forests are logged or cleared for human use and not replanted |
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Soil degradation |
Can occur when water and wind erosion removes topsoil from bare land |
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Soil compaction |
Occurs when soil particles are squeezed together and the air spaces between the particles are reduced |
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Aeration |
In which small plugs of soil are mechanically removed, is a method that reduces runoff by improving the movement of air and water through soil. |
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Resource exploitation |
Resource use. Can cause habitat loss and soil degradation |
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Contamination |
Introduction of chemicals,toxins, wastes, or micro organisms into the environment in concentrations that are harmful to living things. (Ex.cyanide) |
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Overexploitation |
The use or extraction of a resource until it is depleted. Can result in extinction. |
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Extinction |
The dying out of a species. |
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Traditional ecological knowledge |
Ecological information, passed down from generation to generation, that reflects human experience with nature gained over centuries. |
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Native species |
Plants and animals that naturally inhabit an area. |
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Introduced species or foreign species |
Organisms brought in by people intentionally or by accident |
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Invasive species |
Organisms that can take over the habitat of native species or invade their bodies. |