| A | B |
|---|
| Ecosystem | interaction of biotic and abiotic components in an area |
| Autotroph | Self-feeder / Green plant |
| Heterotroph | Feeds from other trophic levels |
| Detrivore | Decomposers |
| Open sytem | transfers of energy and matter |
| Biomass | amount of plant and animal matter in an area |
| Biome | Regional scale ecosystem |
| Plagioclimax | Ecosystem permanently damaged by man |
| Primary succession | An ecosystem developing on new land |
| Secondary succession | An ecosystem developing on cleared land |
| Pioneer species | The first species to colonise an area |
| Dominant species | The species that is largest and most numerous |
| Sere | A stage in the development of an ecosystem |
| Climatic climax | When vegetation is in equilibrium with the climate and soils in an area |
| Subclimax | An ecosystem that has not reached full development for natural reasons |
| Capillary action | The upward movement of water |
| Leaching | Occurs when precipitation exceeds evapotranspiration |
| A horizon | Topsoil |
| Humus | Decomposed organic matter |
| B horizon | Subsoil |
| Psammosere | Sand dune ecosystem |
| Survivor species | Plants that can withstand nutrient-poor conditions |
| Monoculture | Reliance on one crop |
| Prisere | A complete chain in the development in a complete ecosystem |
| Pioneer community | The first plants to colonise an area |
| Community | A number of species living together |
| Population | Members of a particular species in one area |
| Niche | A way of life which enables a species to occupy a particular place in a community |
| Habitat | The place a community occupies |
| xerophytic | Arid or dry conditions |
