| A | B |
|---|
| photosynthesis | the process by which a plant converts sunlight into chemical energy |
| food chain | a seris of organisms in which energy is passed along through living things |
| plant community | a group of plants that live and grow together |
| ecosystem | an interdependent community of plants and animals combined with its physical environment |
| plant succession | the process by which one group of plants replaces another in a community |
| climax community | the stable plant group that is best suited to use the resources of a particular area and forms the last stage of plant succession |
| humus | an important ingredient of soil, made of decayed plant and animal matter |
| soil horizon | a distinct layer formed over a long period of time |
| leaching | the process by which nutrients are washed down out of the topsoil by rainfall |
| coral reef | the richest marine ecosystems, with many kinds of animals and plants |
| biome | a plant and animal community that covers a very large area |
| deciduous forest | a middle-latitude forest whose plants lose their leaves during a certain season each year |
| coniferous forest | a middle latitude forest whose plants remain green year-round |
| mixed forest | an area where deciduous and coniferous forests blend |
| savanna | tropical grassland with scattered trees and shrubs |
| prairie | a region of tall grassland and fertile soil |
| entinct | no longer in existence |
