Ecological Terms Glossary

What is Natural Regeneration? Natural regeneration refers to the process by which ecosystems naturally restore themselves through the growth and development of existing vegetation without human intervention. This process allows for the renewal and rejuvenation of ecosystems, ensuring their long-term health and sustainability. How does Natural Regeneration work in ecosystems? Natural regeneration works in ecosystems … Read more

What is Environmental Stress? Environmental stress refers to the pressure or strain exerted on ecosystems by various external factors, such as pollution, climate change, habitat destruction, and invasive species. These stressors can disrupt the balance of an ecosystem, leading to negative impacts on the organisms living within it. Environmental stress can manifest in different forms … Read more

What is a Climax Community? A climax community refers to a stable and self-sustaining ecological community that has reached a state of equilibrium with its environment. It is the final stage in the process of ecological succession, where the community has fully developed and is able to maintain itself without any significant external disturbances. Climax … Read more

I. What is Adaptation? Adaptation is the process by which organisms evolve over time in order to better survive and reproduce in their environment. It is a key concept in evolutionary biology and is essential for understanding how species have developed and diversified over millions of years. Adaptations can be physical, behavioral, or physiological changes … Read more

What is Allelopathy? Allelopathy is a biological phenomenon in which one plant releases chemicals into the environment that affect the growth, development, or behavior of other plants. These chemicals, known as allelochemicals, can have both positive and negative effects on neighboring plants, influencing their germination, growth, or reproduction. Allelopathy is a form of chemical competition … Read more

What is Plant Physiology? Plant physiology is a branch of botany that focuses on the study of how plants function. It involves understanding the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur within plants to help them grow, develop, and reproduce. Plant physiology encompasses a wide range of topics, including how plants absorb water and nutrients, … Read more

What is an Ecosystem? An ecosystem is a community of living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, interacting with each other and their physical environment. This interaction creates a complex web of relationships where energy and nutrients are exchanged. Ecosystems can be as small as a pond or as large as a forest, and … Read more

What is Landscape Fragmentation? Landscape fragmentation refers to the process by which large, continuous areas of natural habitat are divided into smaller, isolated patches. This fragmentation can occur due to human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, mining, and infrastructure development. As a result, the once cohesive landscape becomes fragmented into smaller pieces, leading to a … Read more

I. What is Ecosystem Resilience? Ecosystem resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to withstand and recover from disturbances, such as natural disasters, climate change, or human activities, while maintaining its structure, function, and biodiversity. Resilient ecosystems are able to adapt to changing conditions and bounce back after being disrupted, maintaining their essential functions … Read more

What is Photosynthesis? Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules. This process is essential for the survival of plants and other organisms that depend on them for food. Photosynthesis is a complex biochemical reaction that takes … Read more