Vocab

3. The upper layer of a body of water that receives enough sunlight for photosynthesis to occur.
5. The first organisms to colonize a previously uninhabited area during the initial stages of succession, often lichens or mosses.
6. A biome that exists in water, including freshwater (like rivers and lakes) and marine (like oceans and coral reefs) environments.
8. Non-native species that spread rapidly in a new environment, often causing harm to native species and ecosystems.
11. The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of different species and their interactions.
13. The introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment, affecting air, water, and soil quality.
17. The process of ecological change that occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as after a volcanic eruption, starting from bare rock.
18. The process of ecological change that occurs in an area that has been disturbed but where soil and some organisms still exist, like after a forest fire.
19. A large geographic area characterized by specific climate conditions and types of plants and animals. Examples include deserts, forests, and grasslands.
21. Principle: A principle stating that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist if other ecological factors are constant; one will outcompete the other.

1. Underwater geysers that release heated, mineral-rich water, supporting unique ecosystems often found in the deep ocean.
2. A complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem, illustrating how energy and nutrients flow through the environment.
4. A stable and mature ecological community that has reached the final stage of succession, characterized by a diverse array of species.
7. The clearing or thinning of forests, often for agriculture or urban development, leading to habitat loss and increased carbon emissions.
9. A coastal area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, creating a unique and productive ecosystem.
10. The long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels.
12. A situation where the number of individuals in a population exceeds the capacity of the environment to support them, leading to resource depletion.
14. Species that are native to and found only in a specific geographic area.
15. A biome that exists on land, such as forests, deserts, and tundras.
16. A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment relative to its abundance, playing a crucial role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem.
20. The part of a body of water where sunlight does not penetrate, making it impossible for photosynthesis to occur.