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Abiotic
Describes the non-living parts of an ecosystem
Alga, algae
A single or multicellular organism that has no roots, stems or leaves and is often found
in water.
Algal bloom
The sudden increase in the number of algae in a water way. Algal blooms can release toxins that can cause sickness if consumed. #
Aquatic ecosystem
A water-based ecosystem
Arthropod
An invertebrate animal of the large phylum Arthropoda, such as an insect, spider, or
crustacean. They are characterised by jointed limbs, segmented body and an
exoskeleton made of the chemical chitin.
Arid
Region characterized by a severe lack of available water, to the extent of hindering or preventing the growth and development of plant and animal life.
Bacterium, bacteria
Microscopic single-celled organism that has no nucleus or membrane-bound
organelles.
Balance point (of a system)
Point in which a system is said to be in balance or at a steady state
Behaviour
The action or reaction of something (e.g. an organism, under specified circumstances).
Bio-accumulation
The accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, or other organic chemicals in an organism. Also called biomagnification.
Biodiversity
The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Bio-indicator species
Any biological species that defines a trait or characteristic of the environment (e.g. a species may indicate an environmental condition such as pollution). Indicator species can be among the most sensitive species in a region, and sometimes act as an early
warning to monitoring biologists.
Biological control
Control of a pest by the introduction of a natural enemy or predator.
Biotic
Describes the living parts of an ecosystem.
Carbon cycle
The continual exchange and movement of carbon through the atmosphere, oceans, land and living organisms.
Carnivore
An animal that eats other animals.
Chemosynthetic bacteria
Bacteria that uses chemicals to make food.
Community of organisms
Group of interdependent organisms of different species growing or living together in a specified location (habitat)
Competition
The process where living things compete for the same resources in the environment
Consumer
An organism that relies entirely on other organisms for its food.
Contamination
The introduction of harmful pollutants or chemicals into a natural environment.
Cyanobacteria
Blue-green bacteria also called blue-green algae.
Dead zone
Area of water in oceans or large lakes where the oxygen concentration is so low that little or no aquatic life can survive.