View source for Glossary of ecology

{{Short description|none}}
{{For|a list of the effects of human activity on the environment|List of environmental issues}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2021}}

This '''glossary of ecology''' is a list of definitions of terms and concepts in [[ecology]] and related fields. For more specific definitions from other glossaries related to ecology, see [[Glossary of biology]], [[Glossary of evolutionary biology]], and [[Glossary of environmental science]].

{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==A==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[abiotic component]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[adaptive behavior (ecology)|adaptive behavior]]}}
{{defn|defn= In {{gli|behavioral ecology}}, any behavior which contributes to an individual's [[sexual reproduction|reproductive]] success and is thus subject to the forces of [[natural selection]].}}

{{term|term= [[allee effect]]}}
{{defn|defn= A concept in {{gli|population ecology}} that describes the positive relationship between the size of a given population and its growth.}}

{{term|term= [[alpha diversity]]}}
{{defn|defn= The average {{gli|species diversity}} of sites or {{gli|habitat|habitats}} at a local scale. Alpha diversity combined with {{gli|beta diversity}} yields {{gli|gamma diversity}}.}}

{{term|term= [[ethology|animal behaviour]]}}
{{defn|defn= See ''{{gli|ethology}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[animal communication]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[animal migration]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[applied ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which uses ecological principles and insights to solve environment-related problems. It includes {{gli|agroecology}} and {{gli|conservation biology}}.}}

{{term|term= [[aquatic plant]]}}
{{defn|defn= A [[vascular plant]] adapted to living in [[saline water|salt water]] or [[fresh water]] aquatic environments.}}

{{term|term= [[island biogeography|area effect]]}}
{{defn|defn= The {{gli|biogeography|biogeographic}} hypothesis that larger islands are able to support more species than smaller ones.}}

{{term|term= [[Earth's atmosphere|atmosphere]]}}
{{defn|defn= Earth's atmosphere is composed of gases and water which are retained by Earth's gravity and help to [[greenhouse effect|retain heat]] and reflect [[UV radiation]] from the Sun.}}

<span id="autecology"></span>{{term|term= [[population ecology|autecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A major sub-field of ecology which studies the dynamics of populations and the ways in which they interact with the environment. Also called ''{{gli|population ecology}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[autopoiesis]]}}
{{defn|defn= The phenomenon by which a system is capable of producing and maintaining itself by creating its own parts. The term has often been applied to the self-maintaining chemistry of biological cells.}}

{{term|term= [[autotroph]]}}
{{defn|defn= See ''{{gli|producer}}''.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==B==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[bacterivore]]}}
{{defn|defn= An organism that feeds primarily or exclusively on [[bacteria]].}}

{{term|term= [[behavioral ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which studies the ecological and evolutionary basis of [[animal behavior]], mainly at the level of individual animals.}}

{{term|term= [[benthos]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[beta diversity]]}}
{{defn|defn= The ratio between regional and local {{gli|species diversity}}, or the difference in diversity between different {{gli|habitat|habitats}}. Compare ''{{gli|alpha diversity}}'' and ''{{gli|gamma diversity}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[biodegradable]]}}
{{defn|defn= Capable of decaying through the action of living organisms.}}

<span id="biodiversity"></span>{{term|term= [[biodiversity]]}}
{{defn|defn= Diversity among and within plant and animal species in a given environment.}}

{{term|term= [[biogeochemistry]]}}
{{defn|defn= The science that studies the effects of {{gli|biota}} on global chemistry and on the cycles of matter and energy that transport Earth's chemical components in time and space.}}

<span id="biogeochemical cycle"></span>{{term|term= [[biogeochemical cycle]]}}
{{defn|defn= A pathway through which a [[chemical element]] or [[molecule]] moves through the [[atmosphere]], [[hydrosphere]], [[lithosphere]], and [[biosphere]].}}

{{term|term= [[biogeographic realm]]}}
{{defn|defn= The largest division of the Earth's surface filled with living organisms, whether terrestrial, freshwater, or [[marine realm|marine]].}}

{{term|term= [[biogeography]]}}
{{defn|defn= The study of the [[geography|geographic]] [[species distribution|distribution]] of species on Earth.}}

{{term|term= [[Bioinvader|bio-invader]]}}
{{defn|defn= A non-native species.}}

{{term|term= [[biological dispersal]]}}
{{defn|defn= The movement of organisms from their birth site to their breeding site or from one breeding site to another.}}

{{term|term= [[biological magnification]]}}
{{defn|defn= The increase in concentration of a chemical substance in the [[tissue (biology)|tissues]] of organisms comprising successively higher levels in a {{gli|food chain}}.}}

{{term|term= [[biological organization]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[biomass (ecology)|biomass]]}}
{{defn|defn= The sum of all living organisms in a given area.}}

{{term|term= [[biomass pyramid]]}}
{{defn|defn= A graph that illustrates the productivity (in terms of {{gli|biomass}}) within the various {{gli|trophic level|trophic levels}} comprising a {{gli|food chain}}. Also called an ''[[ecological pyramid]]''.}}

<span id="biome"></span>{{term|term= [[biome]]}}
{{defn|defn= The total complex of {{gli|biocoenosis|biotic communities}} occupying and characterizing a particular area.}}

{{term|term= [[biosphere]]}}
{{defn|defn= The global sum of all {{gli|ecosystem|ecosystems}} on Earth.}}

{{term|term= [[biota (ecology)|biota]]}}
{{defn|defn= The total collection of organisms belonging to a particular [[geographic region]] or extant during a particular time period.}}

{{term|term= [[biotic component]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[biotic potential]]}}
{{defn|defn= The maximum achievable rate of increase of a population in a given area under ideal conditions.}}

{{term|term= [[boreal forest]]}}
{{defn|defn= Forest areas of the northern [[temperate zone]], mostly consisting of [[conifer]]s; also called ''[[taiga]]'' in [[Siberia]].}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==C==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[camouflage]]}}
{{defn|defn= An inconspicuous appearance adopted by an organism in order to deceive possible {{gli|predator|predators}} or {{gli|prey}}.}}

{{term|term= [[canopy (biology)|canopy]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[carbon cycle]]}}
{{defn|defn= The [[biogeochemical cycle]] by which [[carbon]] is exchanged between Earth's [[biosphere]], [[pedosphere]], [[geosphere]], [[hydrosphere]], and [[atmosphere]].}}

{{term|term= [[carrying capacity]]}}
{{defn|defn= The maximum number of individuals a given environment's {{gli|resource|resources}} can support, including the food and water available for that environment.}}

{{term|term= [[charismatic megafauna]]}}
{{defn|defn= A large animal species with widespread popular appeal that [[environmental activist]]s use to achieve conservation goals well beyond just those species. Examples include the [[giant panda]], the [[Bengal tiger]], and the [[blue whale]]. Compare ''{{gli|flagship species}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[chemical ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which studies the use by organisms of naturally occurring chemical compounds for various purposes, e.g. in defense against {{gli|predator|predators}}.}}

{{term|term= civic ecology}}
{{defn|defn= the study of community-driven efforts to restore and manage natural environments.}}

{{term|term= [[climate]]}}
{{defn|defn= The long-term average weather patterns of a particular place.}}

{{term|term= [[climate change]]}}
{{defn|defn= Current rise in Earth's average temperature and its effects}}

{{term|term= [[climax community]]}}
{{defn|defn= A {{gli|community}} of biological species that has reached a stable state, occurring when the different species are best [[adaptation|adapted]] to average conditions in a given area.}}

{{term|term= [[colony (biology)|colony]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[commensalism]]}}
{{defn|defn= A {{gli|symbiosis|symbiotic}} relationship between two organisms of different species, in which one of the organisms benefits while the other remains unaffected.}}

<span id="community"></span>{{term|term= [[community (ecology)|community]]}}
{{defn|defn= An assemblage of various organisms living in the same environment.}}

<span id="community ecology"></span>{{term|term= [[community ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which studies the interactions between the species comprising an ecological {{gli|community}}. Also called ''synecology''.}}

<span id="competition"></span>{{term|term= [[competition]]}}
{{defn|defn= Organisms from the same or from different species competing with each other for food, living space, [[reproduction|reproductive]] success, or any other limited {{gli|resource}}; the most [[fitness (biology)|adapted individuals]] come out on top and thus survive and reproduce.}}

{{term|term= [[competitive exclusion principle]]}}
{{ghat|Also '''Gause's law'''.}}
{{defn|defn= A [[biological rule]] which states that two species cannot coexist in the same environment if they are competing for exactly the same {{gli|resource}}, often memorably summarized as "complete competitors cannot coexist".}}

{{term|term= [[coniferous forest]]}}
{{defn|defn= One of the primary terrestrial {{gli|biome|biomes}}, culminating in the [[taiga]].}}

{{term|term= [[conservation biology]]}}
{{defn|defn= The study of Earth's {{gli|biodiversity}} with the aim of protecting and conserving natural habitats and the plant and animal species living in them.}}

<span id="consumer"></span>{{term|term= [[consumer (food chain)|consumer]]}}
{{defn|defn= Any organism, usually an animal, that feeds on plants or other animals. Compare ''{{gli|heterotroph}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[cooperation]]}}
{{defn|defn= The process by which organisms work together for mutual benefit.}}

{{term|term= [[coral reef]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[courtship display]]}}
{{defn|defn= Ritual social behavior between possible mates.}}

{{term|term= [[cryosphere]]}}
{{defn|defn= The combined portions of Earth's surface where water is frozen in [[solid]] form as [[ice]], including [[sea ice]], lake ice, river ice, [[snow]], [[glacier]]s, [[ice cap]]s, [[ice sheet]]s, and frozen ground such as [[permafrost]]. There is significant overlap with the {{gli|hydrosphere}}.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==D==
{{glossary}}
{{term|[[temperate deciduous forest|deciduous broadleaf forest]]}}
{{defn|Any forest situated in a [[temperate zone]] whose trees shed their leaves during the [[winter|cold season]].}}

<span id="decomposer"></span>{{term|[[decomposer]]}}
{{defn|Any organism that {{gli|decomposition|breaks down}} {{gli|organic matter}} into simpler compounds.}}

<span id="decomposition"></span>{{term|[[decomposition]]}}
{{defn|The process by which [[tissue (biology)|tissues]] of dead organisms are broken down by both biotic and abiotic processes into simpler forms of {{gli|organic matter}}, thereby clearing the limited available space in a {{gli|biome}}.}}

{{term|[[deep sea community]]}}
{{defn|Any {{gli|community}} of organisms linked by a shared {{gli|habitat}} in the [[deep ocean|deepest parts]] of a sea or ocean.}}

{{term|[[deforestation]]}}
{{defn|}}

<span id="denitrification"></span>{{term|[[denitrification]]}}
{{defn|The breakdown by [[anaerobic digestion|anaerobic]] [[bacteria]] of [[nitrate]]s, mostly in the soil,  into their constituent chemical elements: [[nitrogen]] and [[oxygen]].}}

{{term|[[density dependence]]}}
{{defn|The dependence of the growth rate of a {{gli|population}} of a given species on its {{gli|population density|density}}.}}

{{term|[[desert]]}}
{{defn|A landscape that receives less than {{convert|10|in|mm}} of [[precipitation]] per year.}}

{{term|[[desert ecology]]}}
{{defn|The study of the interactions between both {{gli|biotic component|biotic}} and {{gli|abiotic}} factors that occur in [[desert]] {{gli|biome|biomes}}, including interactions between plant, animal, and bacterial populations in desert {{gli|community|communities}}.}}

{{term|[[desertification]]}}
{{defn|The process by which ecosystems become arid, barren, or [[desert]]-like, with a lower and different {{gli|biodiversity}} than they originally supported.}}

{{term|[[detrital food web]]}}
{{defn|A {{gli|food web}} depicting the energy flow from [[photoautotroph]]s through {{gli|detritivore|detritivores}} and {{gli|decomposer|decomposers}}.}}

{{term|[[detritivore]]}}
{{defn|A {{gli|heterotroph|heterotrophic}} organism which {{gli|biodegradation|feeds}} primarily on {{gli|detritus}} – decomposing bits of {{gli|organic matter}}, such as {{gli|plant litter}}.}}

<span id="disturbance"></span>{{term|[[disturbance (ecology)|disturbance]]}}
{{defn|A temporary change in environmental conditions that causes a pronounced and longer-lasting change in an {{gli|ecosystem}}. Disturbances can quickly and dramatically alter the physical structure and arrangement of both {{gli|biotic}} and {{gli|abiotic}} elements, and often greatly impact local {{gli|biodiversity}}. They may be products of natural phenomena, such as storms, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions, as well as of man-made phenomena, such as {{gli|deforestation}}, pollution, and construction projects.}}

{{term|[[dominance hierarchy]]}}
{{defn|The organization of individual organisms into groups with a social structure.}}

{{term|[[dominance (ecology)|dominance species]]}}
{{defn|A species which characterizes and dominates an {{gli|community|ecological community}} as measured by its {{gli|primary productivity}} or {{gli|biomass}}.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==E==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[earth science]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[earth system science]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= The scientific study of interactions between living organisms and their environment.}}

{{term|term= [[ecology of fear (concept)|ecology of fear]]}}
{{defn|defn= A framework describing the psychological impact that predator-induced stress experienced by animals has on populations and ecosystems.}}

{{term|term= [[ecological economics]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[ecological extinction]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[ecological land classification]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[ecological literacy]]}}
{{defn|defn= The ability to understand the [[nature|natural systems]] that make life on Earth possible.}}

{{term|term= [[ecological niche]]}}
{{defn|defn= See ''{{gli|niche}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[ecological selection]]}}
{{defn|defn= ecological processes that operate on a species' inherited traits without reference to mating or secondary sex characteristics.}}

<span id="ecological succession"></span>{{term|term= [[ecological succession]]}}
{{defn|defn= The change in the species structure of an [[community (ecology)|ecological community]] over time.}}

{{term|term= [[ecological threshold]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[ecophagy]]}}
{{defn|defn= The destruction of an ecosystem.}}

{{term|term= [[ecophysiology]]}}
{{defn|defn= The study of the interaction of the [[Physiology|physiological]] traits of an organism with its {{gli|abiotic component|abiotic environment}}.}}

{{term|term= [[ecopoiesis]]}}
{{defn|defn= The hypothetical shaping by human action of a sustainable ecosystem on a currently lifeless, sterile planet.}}

<span id="ecoregion"></span>{{term|term= [[ecoregion]]}}
{{defn|defn= A region defined by its [[geography]] and ecology.}}

{{term|term= [[ecosynthesis]]}}
{{defn|defn= The use of introduced species to fill [[ecological niche|niches]] in a disrupted environment with the aim of increasing the speed of ecological restoration.}}

<span id="ecosystem"></span>{{term|term= [[ecosystem]]}}
{{defn|defn= The total of interacting organisms ([[biocoenosis]]) and non-living things ([[biotope]]) in a specific environment.}}

<span id="ecosystem ecology"></span>{{term|term= [[ecosystem ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which studies how flows of energy and matter interact with [[biotic component|biotic elements]] of ecosystems.}}

{{term|term= [[ecosystem engineer]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[ecosystem functional type]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[ecosystem modeling]]}}
{{defn|defn= The use of mathematics, computer programs and models to understand and predict ecosystem behavior.}}

{{term|term= [[ecosystem services]]}}
{{defn|defn= [[Resource (biology)|Resources]] and processes provided in an ecosystem and which benefit organisms.}}

{{term|term= [[ecotone]]}}
{{defn|defn= A transition area between two adjacent but different [[landscape]] patches.}}

{{term|term= [[ecotope]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[ecotoxicology]]}}
{{defn|defn= The study of the ecological role of toxic chemicals (often [[pollutant]]s, but also naturally occurring compounds).}}

{{term|term= ecozone}}
{{defn|defn= An area that has characteristics of natural origin such as [[climate]], [[terrain]], vegetation, etc. It may used as a synonym for ''{{gli|biogeographic realm}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[El Niño]]}}
{{defn|defn= A band of anomalously warm [[seawater|ocean water]] temperatures that occasionally develops off the coast of South America and can cause [[climate|climatic]] changes across the [[Pacific Ocean]].}}

{{term|term= [[emigration]]}}
{{defn|defn= For an organism, leaving its native {{gli|community}} for a new one.}}

<span id="endangered species"></span>{{term|term= [[endangered species]]}}
{{defn|defn= A species at imminent risk of becoming [[extinct]].}}

<span id="energy pyramid"></span>{{term|term= [[energy pyramid]]}}
{{defn|defn= A graphical representation designed to show the [[biomass]] or biomass productivity at each [[trophic level]] in a given ecosystem.}}

{{term|term= [[environment (biophysical)|environment]]}}
{{defn|defn= The biotic and abiotic surroundings of an organism or population, and the chemical interactions between these factors that influence their survival, development, and evolution. An environment can vary in scale from microscopic to global.}}

{{term|term= [[environmental degradation]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[environmental science]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[environmental restoration]]}}
{{defn|defn= undoing the damage caused to an area by human activity or by [[nature|natural]] disasters.}}

{{term|term= [[ephemerality]]}}
{{defn|defn= The concept of things being transitory, existing only briefly.}}

{{term|term= [[estuary]]}}
{{defn|defn= A body of [[coast]]al water, attached to both ocean and river, often coloured black as a result of [[silt]] and [[sediment]] being carried by the latter.}}

<span id="ethology"></span>{{term|term= [[ethology]]}}
{{defn|defn= The study of animal behavior.}}

{{term|term= [[eutrophication]]}}
{{defn|defn= An increase in natural or chemical nutrients in an {{gli|ecosystem}}. This increase of nutrients typically stimulates growth of some aggressive plant species and hampers that of others, thereby harming {{gli|biodiversity}}. In aquatic ecosystems, it may result in [[hypoxia (environmental)|hypoxia]].}}

{{term|term= [[evaporation]]}}
{{defn|defn= The slow [[vaporization]] of water from either the soil or from [[surface water]].}}

{{term|term= [[evolutionary ecology]]}}
{{ghat|Also '''ecoevolution'''.}} 
{{defn|defn= The [[evolution]]ary changes occurring to an organism within its population or within the wider {{gli|community}}.}}

{{term|term= [[exotic species]]}}
{{defn|defn= An introduced species not native or {{gli|endemism|endemic}} to a habitat.}}

<span id="extinction"></span>{{term|term= [[extinction]]}}
{{defn|defn= The termination of an organism or of a [[taxon]], usually a species, which occurs when the [[endling|last individual organism]] of the taxon dies. Compare ''{{gli|functional extinction}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[extinction vortex]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[extreme environment]]}}
{{defn|defn= An environment in which few living organisms can survive.}}

{{term|term= [[extremophile]]}}
{{defn|defn= An organism which thrives in physically or [[geochemistry|geochemically]] extreme conditions.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==F==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[bottom water#Lake hydrography|fall overturn]]}}
{{defn|defn= The mixing (or "turning over") of lake water occurring in [[autumn]], facilitating its [[oxygenation (environmental)|re-oxygenation]].}}

<span id="fire ecology"></span>{{term|term= [[fire ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which studies the ecological role of naturally occurring [[wildfire]]s.}}

<span id="fixed action pattern"></span>{{term|term= [[fixed action pattern]]}}
{{defn|defn= In [[ethology]], an instinctive behavioral pattern.}}
 
{{term|term= [[flagship species]]}}
{{defn|defn= A species chosen to represent an environmental cause, such as an {{gli|ecosystem}} in need of conservation.}}

<span id="food chain"></span>{{term|term= [[food chain]]}}
{{defn|defn= A group of organisms interrelated by the fact that each member of the group feeds upon the one below it.}}

{{term|term= food density}}
{{defn|defn= The amount of food available within a given {{gli|ecotope}}.}}

<span id="food web"></span>{{term|term= [[food web]]}}
{{defn|defn= A set of interconnected {{gli|food chain|food chains}} by which energy and nutrients circulate within an {{gli|ecosystem}}.}}

{{term|term= [[forest ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology that studies the interrelated patterns, processes, flora, fauna, and ecosystems within [[forest]]s.}}

{{term|term= [[foundation species]]}}
{{defn|defn= A species that is a {{gli|dominant species|dominant}} {{gli|primary producer}} in its {{gli|ecosystem}}, both in terms of abundance and influence on other organisms and the environment.}}

{{term|term= [[founder effect]]}}
{{defn|defn= The accumulation of random genetic changes in an isolated population.}}

{{term|term= [[freshwater biology]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[functional ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which studies the roles, or functions, that certain species (or groups of species) play in an ecosystem.}}

<span id="functional extinction"></span>{{term|term= [[functional extinction]]}}
{{defn|defn= The effective {{gli|extinction}} of a species or other [[taxon]] such that reports of its existence cease, the reduced population no longer plays a significant role in ecosystem function, or the population is no longer viable because it is unable to sustain healthy reproduction, even if the last individual organism of the species has not yet died.}}

{{term|term= [[functional response]]}}
{{defn|defn= The intake rate of a [[heterotroph|consumer]] as a [[function (mathematics)|function]] of food density.}}

{{term|term= [[fungus]]}}
{{defn|defn= Along with [[bacteria]], fungi are the major {{gli|decomposer|decomposers}} in most terrestrial (and some aquatic) ecosystems and therefore play a crucial role in the {{gli|nutrient cycle}}.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==G==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[gallery forest]]}}
{{defn|defn= A relatively dense area of trees and shrubs that occupies a corridor along a river or within a wetland and projects into landscapes that are otherwise only sparsely treed, such as savannas, grasslands, and deserts.}}

{{term|term= [[gamma diversity]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[Gause's law]]}}
{{defn|defn= See ''{{gli|competitive exclusion principle}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[genetic bottleneck]]}}
{{defn|defn= An [[evolution]]ary event in which a significant percentage of a population or species is killed or otherwise prevented from reproducing.}}

{{term|term= [[geodiversity]]}}
{{defn|defn= The variety of geological and hydrological materials, forms, landscapes, and processes that constitute and shape the Earth, either as a whole or some specific part of it.<ref name=Zwolinski>Zwolinski, Zb. 2004. ''Geodiversity'', in: ''Encyclopedia of Geomorphology'', A.Goudie (ed.), Routledge: pp. 417-418.</ref> Geodiversity can be viewed as somewhat of an {{gli|abiotic}} equivalent to {{gli|biodiversity}}.}}

{{term|term= [[geographical zone]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[macroecology|global ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= See ''{{gli|macroecology}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[global ecophagy]]}}
{{defn|defn= The destruction of Earth's ecosystems.}}

{{term|term= [[global warming]]}}
{{defn|defn= The increase in the average temperature of Earth's near-surface atmosphere and oceans.}}

{{term|term= [[Gloger's rule]]}}
{{defn|defn= An [[biological rule|ecogeographical rule]] which states that within a species of [[endotherm]]s, more heavily [[biological pigments|pigmented]] forms or [[morph (biology)|morphs]] tend to be found in more humid and/or sunnier environments, e.g. near the Equator. The phenomenon has been observed across a wide variety of animal species, and evolutionary explanations for it range from deterrence of microbial growth to protection against ultraviolet radiation.}}

{{term|term= [[grassland]]}}
{{defn|defn= An area where the vegetation is dominated by [[grass]]es.}}

{{term|term= [[greenhouse effect]]}}
{{defn|defn= The warming of the Earth's climate that results from [[solar irradiance]] being trapped in the [[atmosphere of Earth|atmosphere]]. The phenomenon is caused by atmospheric gases which allow the sun's energy to reach the Earth's surface but subsequently absorb heat that is radiated back from the warmed surface.}}

{{term|term= [[ground cover]]}}
{{defn|defn= Any plant that grows over an area of ground, providing [[soil protection|protection]] of the [[topsoil]] from [[erosion]] and [[drought]].}}

{{term|term= [[host (biology)|guest]]}}
{{defn|defn= The generic term used for {{gli|parasitism|parasitic}}, {{gli|mutualism|mutualistic}}, and {{gli|commensalism|commensalist}} {{gli|symbiosis|symbionts}}.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==H==
{{glossary}}
<span id="habitat"></span>{{term|term= [[habitat (ecology)|habitat]]}}
{{defn|defn= A specific [[environment (biophysical)|ecological area]] that is inhabited by a specific plant or animal species.}}

{{term|term= [[habitat fragmentation]]}}
{{defn|defn= The discontinuation of a species' habitat as caused by environmental change.}}

{{term|term= [[halophyte]]}}
{{defn|defn= A salt-loving plant.}}

{{term|term= [[halophile]]}}
{{defn|defn= A salt-loving organism.}}

{{term|term= [[heath]]}}
{{defn|defn= Low-growing woody vegetation found on free-draining acidic soils.}}

<span id="heterotroph"></span>{{term|term= [[heterotroph]]}}
{{defn|defn= See ''{{gli|consumer}}''.}}

<span id="homeostasis"></span>{{term|term= [[homeostasis]]}}
{{defn|defn= The property of a system by which it regulates its internal environment and maintains a constant and stable condition; e.g. [[endothermic]] animals maintaining a constant body temperature.}}

<span id="host"></span>{{term|term= [[host (biology)|host]]}}
{{defn|defn= An organism that harbors a {{gli|parasitism|parasitic}}, {{gli|mutualism|mutualistic}}, or {{gli|commensalism|commensal}} {{gli|symbiont}}.}}

{{term|term= [[human ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology that studies the relationships between [[human]]s and their [[natural environment|natural]], [[social environment|social]], and [[built environment]]s.}}

{{term|term= [[humus]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

<span id="hydrologic cycle"></span>{{term|term= [[hydrologic cycle]]}}
{{defn|defn= The cycle or process of [[evaporation]] and [[condensation]] of water and its distribution across the Earth as driven by solar energy. Also called the ''water cycle''.}}

{{term|term= [[hydrophyte]]}}
{{defn|defn= See ''{{gli|aquatic plant}}''.}}

<span id="hydrosphere"></span>{{term|term= [[hydrosphere]]}}
{{defn|defn= The combined mass of water found on, under and above the surface of the Earth.}}

{{term|term= [[hydrothermal vent]]}}
{{defn|defn= An underwater steaming fissure that has a unique ecosystem.}}

{{term|term= [[hypoxia (environmental)|hypoxia]]}}
{{defn|defn= Reduced oxygen content of [[air]] or a [[body of water]], detrimental to [[aerobic organism]]s.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==I==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[illegitimate receiver]]}}
{{defn|defn= An organism that intercepts a signal intended for another organism, to the [[fitness (biology)|fitness]] detriment of either the signaler or the legitimate receiver of the signal.}}

<span id="indicator species"></span>{{term|term= [[indicator species]]}}
{{defn|defn= Any living species that defines a trait or characteristic of its environment. The presence and/or abundance of organisms of these species can be used as an indication of the health of a given ecosystem.}}

{{term|term= [[instinctive behavior]]}}
{{defn|defn= The inherent inclination of an organism towards a particular complex behavior.}}

{{term|term= [[insular biogeography]]}}
{{defn|defn= The study of the distributions of biological [[community (ecology)|communities]] on [[island]]s.}}

{{term|term= [[intermediate disturbance hypothesis]]}}
{{defn|defn= A theory that tries to predict how [[species diversity]] will change with varying levels of [[disturbance (ecology)|disturbance]].}}

<span id="interspecific competition"></span>{{term|term= [[interspecific competition]]}}
{{defn|defn= A form of competition that occurs between individuals of different species, e.g. when different species try to use the same [[resource (biology)|resources]] in an environment. Contrast ''{{gli|intraspecific competition}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[intertidal zone]]}}
{{defn|defn= A [[coast]]al area periodically submerged underwater by the action of [[tide]]s.}}

{{term|term= [[intraspecific competition]]}}
{{defn|defn= A form of competition that occurs between individuals of the same species, e.g. when members of the same species compete for territories or access to mates. Compare ''{{gli|interspecific competition}}''.}}

<span id="invasive species"></span>{{term|term= [[invasive species]]}}
{{defn|defn= A [[indigenous (ecology)|non-native]] species whose introduction to an area causes economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.}}

{{term|term= [[ion exchange]]}}
{{defn|defn= A reversible [[chemical reaction]] where [[ion]]s with the same charge are switched. This principle is used in the purification of waste water.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==J==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[jungle]]}}
{{defn|defn= A dense, wet, humid forest, often tropical, which supports a large variety of wild plant and animal species.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==K==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[k-selected species]]}}
{{defn|defn= A species that forms a group of strong competitors in a crowded environment and that has fewer but stronger offspring. Contrast ''{{gli|r-selected species}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[kelp]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

<span id="keystone species"></span>{{term|term= [[keystone species]]}}
{{defn|defn= A species that has a disproportionate effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Such species affect many other organisms in an ecosystem and help to determine the types and numbers of various other species in a [[community (ecology)|community]].}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==L==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[La Niña]]}}
{{defn|defn= The counterpart to [[El Niño]].}}

{{term|term= [[lake]]}}
{{defn|defn= An inland body of water localized in a [[depression (geology)|basin]] and often fed by a river.}}

{{term|term= [[lake ecosystem]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[lake stratification]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[landscape ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= An interdisciplinary branch of ecology combining aspects of ecology, [[botany]], [[biogeography]], [[physical geography]] and [[environmental planning]].}}

{{term|term= [[large marine ecosystem]]s}}
{{defn|defn= The 64 global extensive coastal sea areas, as indicated by the [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]], where {{gli|primary production}} and {{gli|biomass}} are higher than in the [[open ocean]].}}

{{term|term= [[lek mating]]}}
{{defn|defn= An animal mating system in which an aggregation of male animals gathers to engage in competitive displays to entice females during the [[breeding season]].}}

{{term|term= [[lichen]]}}
{{defn|defn= A composite organism that is the result of a {{gli|symbiosis}} between [[algae]] or [[cyanobacteria]] and the [[hypha]]e of a [[fungus]]. The combined lichen has properties different from those of its component organisms.}}

{{term|term= [[outline of life forms|life form]]}}
{{defn|defn= An entity or being that is [[life|living]].}}

{{term|term= [[limiting factor]]}}
{{defn|defn= Any essential [[resource (biology)|resource]] that is in short supply in a given environment and therefore limits the possibilities for change in other aspects of the same environment.}}

{{term|term= [[limnology]]}}
{{defn|defn= The study of inland waters, often regarded as forming part of ecology or of [[environmental science]].}}

{{term|term= [[lithosphere]]}}
{{defn|defn= The outermost shell of a terrestrial-type planet or natural satellite.}}

{{term|term= [[logistic curve]]}}
{{defn|defn= An S-shaped curve that usually represents growth of a population of a given species.}}

{{term|term= [[Lotka–Volterra equation]]}}
{{defn|defn= A mathematical equation used to describe the {{gli|predator}}–{{gli|prey}} interaction between two given species.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==M==
{{glossary}}
<span id="macroecology"></span>{{term|term= [[macroecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which examines ecological phenomena at the largest possible scale. Compare ''{{gli|microecology}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[mangrove|mangrove wetland]]}}
{{defn|defn= Mangroves are [[shrub]]s or small trees that grow in coastal [[saline water|saline]] or [[brackish water]] in the [[tropics]] and provide a habitat to many [[marine organism]]s.}}

{{term|term= [[marine ecosystem]]}}
{{defn|defn= An aquatic ecosystem dominated and defined by the presence of [[saline water]].}}

{{term|term= [[marine snow]]}}
{{defn|defn= Tiny particles, including dead organic matter from the upper layers of the ocean, sinking deep into the ocean.}}

{{term|term= [[mark and recapture]]}}
{{defn|defn= An observational methodology used to estimate variables of a population under study, including population density, survival rates, movement, and growth.}}

{{term|term= [[marsh]]}}
{{defn|defn= A wetland dominated by herbaceous rather than woody plant species and often found at the edges of lakes and streams, where it forms a transition between the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.}}

{{term|term= [[mesopredator release hypothesis]]}}
{{defn|defn= A hypothesis which states that as [[top predator]]s dwindle in an ecosystem, an increase in the different populations of [[mesopredator]]s occurs.}}

{{term|term= [[metabolic theory of ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A theory that explains the relationship between an organism's body mass and [[metabolic rate]].}}

{{term|term= [[microbial ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology that studies [[microorganism]]s.}}

{{term|term= [[micro-climate]]}}
{{defn|defn= A local set of [[atmosphere of Earth|atmospheric conditions]] that differ from those in surrounding areas.}}

<span id="microecology"></span>{{term|term= [[microecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which studies ecological phenomena at very small scales. Contrast ''{{gli|macroecology}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[wiktionary:migration|migration]]}}
{{defn|defn= The movement of organisms from one place to another.}}

{{term|term= [[mimicry]]}}
{{defn|defn= An adaptive similarity of one species to another that protects one or both species from predators.}}

<span id="molecular ecology"></span>{{term|term= [[molecular ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology concerned with applying molecular [[population genetics]], [[molecular phylogenetics]], and [[genomics]] to traditional ecological questions. It is essentially the same as [[ecological genetics]].}}

{{term|term= [[monsoon]]}}
{{defn|defn= The predictable occurrence of dramatic seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and [[precipitation]] patterns.}}

{{term|term= mountain ecology}}
{{defn|defn= The study of the complex interactions between living organisms and their physical environment in mountainous areas.}}

{{term|term= [[mutualism (biology)|mutualism]]}}
{{defn|defn= A form of {{gli|symbiosis}} from which both individual organisms involved derive a [[fitness (biology)|fitness]] benefit.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==N==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[natural resource]]}}
{{defn|defn= Natural [[biotic component|biotic]] and [[abiotic component|abiotic]] resources combined.}}

{{term|term= [[natural science]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[natural selection]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[nature]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

<span id="negative feedback loop"></span>{{term|term= [[negative feedback loop]]}}
{{defn|defn= A process in which the effects of a change in a system act to reduce or counteract the change. Negative feedback loops tend to promote stability and a settling to [[list of types of equilibrium|equilibrium]], reducing the effects of perturbations in the system. Contrast ''{{gli|positive feedback loop}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[Neutral theory of molecular evolution|neutralism]]}}
{{defn|defn= The belief that changes in [[evolution]] are caused by random mutation rather than by [[natural selection]].}}

<span id="niche"></span>{{term|term= [[ecological niche|niche]]}}
{{defn|defn= A position or function of an organism in a [[community (ecology)|community]] of related organisms.}}

{{term|term= [[niche construction]]}}
{{defn|defn= The process by which an organism alters its own or another organism's [[ecological niche]].}}

{{term|term= [[niche differentiation]]}}
{{defn|defn= See ''{{gli|resource partitioning}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[nitrification]]}}
{{defn|defn= The [[oxidation]] of [[ammonia]] with oxygen into [[nitrite]].}}

<span id="nitrogen cycle"></span>{{term|term= [[nitrogen cycle]]}}
{{defn|defn= The continuous cycle by which atmospheric [[nitrogen]] and [[chemical compound|compounded nitrogen]] are continually exchanged through the soil into substances that can be taken up and used by green plants; what is left returns to the atmosphere as a result of {{gli|denitrification}}.}}

{{term|term= [[nitrogen fixation]]}}
{{defn|defn= The conversion of [[nitrogen]] into nitrogen compounds (ex. [[nitrate]], [[nitrite]]) that is carried out naturally by certain [[bacteria]] and [[algae]].}}

{{term|term= [[numerical response]]}}
{{defn|defn= A change in {{gli|predator}} density as a [[function (mathematics)|function]] of change in {{gli|prey}} density.}}

<span id="nutrient"></span>{{term|term= [[nutrient]]}}
{{defn|defn= [[Chemical element]]s and [[chemical compound|compounds]] that provide organisms with the necessary [[nutrition|nourishment]].}}

<span id="nutrient cycle"></span>{{term|term= [[nutrient cycle]]}}
{{defn|defn= The movement and exchange of [[organic matter|organic]] and inorganic matter back into the [[productivity (ecology)|production]] of living matter. Also called ''ecological recycling''.}}

{{term|term= [[ecosystem ecology|nutrient cycle efficiency]]}}
{{defn|defn= See ''{{gli|ecosystem ecology}}''.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==O==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[ocean]]}}
{{defn|defn= A vast body of [[seawater|salt water]]. Oceans cover almost 75% of the Earth's surface.}}

{{term|term= [[old field (ecology)|old field]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[oxygenation (environmental)|oxygenation]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==P==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[paleoecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which uses data from [[fossil]]s to reconstruct ecosystems of the past.}}

{{anchor|parasitism}}{{term|term= [[parasite]]}}
{{defn|defn= An organism that depends for its survival on a [[symbiotic]] relationship with another organism — its [[host (biology)|host]] — which it does not usually kill directly but does negatively affect.}}

{{term|term= [[parasitoid]]}}
{{defn|defn= A small insect whose immature stages develop either within or attached to the outside of other insects, referred to as hosts. Parasitoids eventually kill the host they feed on.}}

<span id="permafrost"></span>{{term|term= [[permafrost]]}}
{{defn|defn= The permanently frozen layer of terrain found beneath the arctic [[tundra]].}}

{{term|term= [[pheromone]]}}
{{defn|defn= A chemical excreted into the environment as a [[animal communication|signal]], which causes a natural [[ethology|behavioral]] response in members of the same population.}}

{{term|term= [[phosphorus cycle]]}}
{{defn|defn= The [[biogeochemical cycle]] that describes the movement of [[phosphorus]] through the environment.}}

{{term|term= [[phytophysiognomy]]}}
{{defn|defn= The overall physical characteristics of a [[plant community]].}}

{{term|term= [[phytoplankton]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[pioneer species]]}}
{{defn|defn= A species that is the first to inhabit a previously unoccupied environment or {{gli|niche}}.}}

{{term|term= [[plankton]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[plant]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[plant community]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[plant litter]]}}
{{defn|defn= The layer of dead plant material on the ground, providing a habitat to plants, [[microorganism]]s and animals. It plays an important role in the {{gli|nutrient cycle}}.}}

{{term|term= [[plant nutrition]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[polar climate]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[political ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which studies how political and economic power affect ecosystems, and vice versa how [[environment (biophysical)|environmental factors]] influence social activity.}}

{{term|term= [[pollination]]}}
{{defn|defn= A type of [[fertilization]] in which [[pollen]] grains are transported through the air from one [[seed plant]] to the [[ovule]]-bearing organs of another seed plant. This transport is helped by either wind, water, or animal assistance.}}

{{term|term= [[pollinator decline]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[population density]]}}
{{defn|defn= The number of individuals of a species living in a defined area.}}

{{term|term= [[population distribution]]}}
{{defn|defn= See ''{{gli|range}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[population ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which deals with the dynamics of populations within species, and the interactions of these populations with [[environment (biophysical)|environmental]] factors. Also called ''{{gli|autecology}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[population size]]}}
{{defn|defn= The number of individuals of a species in a particular population.}}

{{term|term= [[positive feedback|positive feedback loop]]}}
{{defn|defn= A process in which the effects of a small change in a system include an increase in the magnitude of the change; "A produces more of B, which in turn produces more of A". Contrast ''{{gli|negative feedback loop}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[prairie]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[predation]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[predator]]}}
{{defn|defn= An organism that lives by killing and consuming other living organisms.}}

{{term|term= [[prey]]}}
{{defn|defn= An organism upon which a predator feeds.}}

{{term|term= [[primary production]]}}
{{defn|defn= The production of [[organic compound]]s out of [[carbon dioxide]] present in the [[Earth's atmosphere]]. All life on Earth directly or indirectly depends on it.}}

{{anchor|primary producer}}{{term|term= [[autotroph|producer]]}}
{{defn|defn= An organism that produces its own food from [[inorganic compound|inorganic]] material present in the environment, through [[photosynthesis]] or, in the [[deep sea]], through [[chemosynthesis]]. Also called a ''primary producer''.}}

{{term|term= [[protocooperation]]}}
{{defn|defn= A type of {{gli|mutualism}} without necessity.}}

{{term|term= [[productivity (ecology)|productivity]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==Q==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[quadrat]]}}
{{defn|defn= A rectangular plot of land extensively studied for its ecology. Often abbreviated as ''quad''.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==R==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[rain shadow]]}}
{{defn|defn= An area with a consistently [[arid]] or [[semi-arid climate|semi-arid]] {{gli|climate}} due to its position in the lee of a mountain range.}}

<span id="range"></span>{{term|term= [[range (biology)|range]]}}
{{defn|defn= The distribution of a species in the geographical area within which that species can be found.}}

<span id="resource"></span>{{term|term= [[resource (biology)|resource]]}}
{{defn|defn= A {{gli|nutrient|substance}} or object in the environment required by an organism for normal [[Developmental biology|growth]], maintenance, and [[reproduction]].}}

<span id="resource partitioning"></span>{{term|term= [[resource partitioning]]}}
{{defn|defn= The coexistence of two or more competing species that use the same [[natural resource]] but in different ways.}}

<span id="restoration ecology"></span>{{term|term= [[restoration ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which attempts to understand the ecological basis needed to restore impaired or damaged ecosystems.}}

{{term|term= [[riparian forest]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[river ecosystem]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[root microbiome]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[r-selected species]]}}
{{defn|defn= A species selected for its superiority in variable or unpredictable environments. Contrast ''{{gli|k-selected species}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[runoff (water)|runoff]]}}
{{defn|defn= The flow of water over land from rain, melting snow, or other sources.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==S==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[saprotrophic nutrition]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[savanna]]}}
{{defn|defn= A [[tropics|tropical]] or [[subtropics|subtropical]] [[grassland]] ecosystem with trees, but without a closed [[canopy (biology)|canopy]].}}

{{term|term= [[scramble competition]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[secondary succession]]}}
{{defn|defn= A stage of {{gli|ecological succession}} which occurs after the original {{gli|community}} has been destroyed or disturbed, as with a [[wildfire|forest fire]].}}

{{term|term= [[selfish herd]]}}
{{defn|defn= Individuals in a group acting together without planned direction.}}

{{term|term= [[sessility (motility)|sessile]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[sexecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A form of environmental activism based around nature fetishism.}}

{{term|term= [[sexual selection]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[sign stimulus]]}}
{{defn|defn= A {{gli|fixed action pattern}} such as a mating dance.}}

{{term|term= [[signaler]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[social animal]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[social behavior]]}}
{{defn|defn= The behavior of an individual organism towards other members of the population of its species.}}

{{term|term= [[parasitism#Social parasitism|social parasite]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[sociality]]}}
{{defn|defn= is the degree to which individuals in an animal population tend to associate in social groups and form cooperative societies.}}

{{term|term= [[soil]]}}
{{defn|defn= The naturally occurring, unconsolidated or loose covering of Earth's surface; part of the [[pedosphere]].}}

{{term|term= [[soil ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which studies the [[pedosphere]].}}

{{term|term= [[soil microbiology]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[song system]]}}
{{defn|defn= A series of discrete brain nuclei in [[songbird]]s used to learn and produce certain sequences.}}

{{term|term= [[source-sink dynamics]]}}
{{defn|defn= A theoretical model used by ecologists to describe how variation in habitat quality may affect the population growth or decline of organisms.}}

<span id="speciation"></span>{{term|term= [[speciation]]}}
{{defn|defn= The [[evolutionary]] process by which new biological species emerge from a common ancestor.}}

<span id="species diversity"></span>{{term|term= [[species diversity]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

<span id="species evenness"></span>{{term|term= [[species evenness]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

<span id="species richness"></span>{{term|term= [[species richness]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[bottom water|spring overturn]]}}
{{defn|defn= The mixing of lake water through the melting of ice cover, the warming of surface waters, [[convection]] currents, and [[wind]] action occurring in [[spring (season)|spring]].}}

{{term|term= [[steppe]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[sulfur cycle]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[stream]]}}
{{defn|defn= A flowing-water ecosystem that starts out as a [[freshwater spring]] or as melting [[snow]].}}

<span id="survivorship curve"></span>{{term|term= [[survivorship curve]]}}
{{defn|defn= A graph showing the number or proportion of individuals surviving at each age for a given species.}}

<span id="symbiosis"></span>{{term|term= [[symbiosis]]}}
{{defn|defn= Any type of a close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms.}}

<span id="symbiont"></span>{{term|term= [[symbiont]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

<span id="synecology"></span>{{term|term= [[Community ecology|synecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= See ''{{gli|community ecology}}''.}}

<span id="systems ecology"></span>{{term|term= [[systems ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==T==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[Taylor's law]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[temperate deciduous forest]]}}
{{defn|defn= See ''{{gli|deciduous broadleaf forest}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[terrestrial ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[terrestrial ecoregion]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[Territory (animal)|territory]]}}
{{defn|defn= An area that one or more individual organisms defend against {{gli|competition}} from other organisms.}}

{{term|term= [[thermal ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= The study of the relationship between temperature and organisms.}}

{{term|term= [[threat display]]}}
{{defn|defn= A signal used by individual organisms of certain species meaning that the user intends to attack.}}

{{term|term= [[theoretical ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= The development of ecological theory, usually with mathematical, statistical and/or computer modeling tools.}}

{{term|term= [[tree line]]}}
{{defn|defn= Any delineation between {{gli|habitat|habitats}} in which [[tree]]s are capable of growing and in which they are not capable of growing. Tree lines are found at the edges of habitats with suitable conditions for tree growth and development; beyond the tree line, trees cannot tolerate the harsher environmental conditions, usually because of very cold temperatures or a lack of sufficient moisture.}}

{{term|term= [[trophic cascade]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[trophic level]]}}
{{defn|defn= The position of an organism within a {{gli|food chain}}: what it eats, and what eats it.}}

{{term|term= [[tropics]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[tropical rain forest]]}}
{{defn|defn= A {{gli|biome}} characterized by regular, heavy rainfall, a humidity of at least 80 percent, and great {{gli|biodiversity}}.}}

{{term|term= [[tundra]]}}
{{defn|defn= A permanently frozen, treeless expanse between the [[ice cap]] and [[tree line]] of [[arctic]] regions.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==U==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[umbrella species]]}}
{{defn|defn= A species selected for making [[wildlife conservation|conservation]]-related decisions because protecting it indirectly protects the many other species that make up the ecological {{gli|community}} of its habitat. Compare ''{{gli|flagship species}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[upwelling]]}}
{{defn|defn= [[Wind]]-driven motion of cooler [[nutrient]]-rich ocean water towards the ocean's surface, which stimulates the growth of {{gli|phytoplankton}}.}}

<span id="urban ecology"></span>{{term|term= [[urban ecology]]}}
{{defn|defn= A branch of ecology which studies ecosystems in urban areas.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==V==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[vegetation]]}}
{{defn|defn= [[Ground cover]] provided by plants.}}

{{term|term= [[vegetation formation]]}}
{{defn|defn= A concept used to classify vegetation communities.}}

{{term|term= [[vegetation type]]}}
{{defn|defn= See ''{{gli|plant community}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[Verhulst equation]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[virology]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[virus]]}}
{{defn|defn= A [[microscopic scale|microscopic]] obligate intracellular {{gli|parasite}} which infects and replicates exclusively within the living [[cell (biology)|cells]] of host organisms.}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==W==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[aposematism|warning coloration]]}}
{{ghat|Also '''aposematism'''.}}
{{defn|defn= A warning signal consisting of brightly colored or starkly contrasting patterns used by a {{gli|prey}} species to advertise its unprofitability to potential {{gli|predator}} species.}}

{{term|term= [[water column]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[water cycle]]}}
{{defn|defn= The non-stop circulation of water on, above, and below Earth's surface. At different times during the cycle, water changes between its different [[state of matter|states]]: liquid, vapor and ice. Also called ''{{gli|hydrologic cycle}}''.}}

{{term|term= [[water pollution]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[water stagnation]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[water vapor]]}}
{{defn|defn= The gaseous state of water.}}

<span id="watershed"></span>{{term|term= [[drainage basin|watershed]]}}
{{defn|defn= The area of land from which rain and melted snow drains downhill into a body of water (i.e. a river, lake, [[reservoir]], [[estuary]], [[wetland]], [[sea]], or ocean).}}

{{term|term= [[web of life]]}}
{{defn|defn= The feeding relationships between different species in a given ecosystem. Also called a {{gli|food chain}}, food network, or trophic social network.}}

{{term|term= [[weed]]}}
{{defn|defn= A plant growing where it is not wanted, often at a high rate of dispersal.}}

{{term|term= [[wetland]]}}
{{defn|defn= A type of ecosystem consisting of land permanently or seasonally saturated with water; the habitat of {{gli|aquatic plant|aquatic plants}}.}}

<span id="wildfire"></span>{{term|term= [[wildfire]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

<span id="wildlife"></span>{{term|term= [[wildlife]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}

{{term|term= [[wildlife corridor]]}}
{{defn|defn= A strip of land intended to facilitate the movement of [[wildlife]] species between disconnected areas of their [[habitat]].}}

<span id="woodland"></span>{{term|term= [[woodland]]}}
{{defn|defn= A low-density [[forest]].}}

{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}

==X==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[xeric]]}}
{{defn|defn= Extremely dry, as of a landscape or habitat.}}

{{term|term= [[xerocole]]}}
{{defn|defn= An animal adapted to life in a desert.}}

{{term|term= [[xerophyte]]}}
{{defn|defn= A plant adapted to dry conditions.}}

{{term|term= [[xylophagous]]}}
{{defn|defn= Feeding on wood, as of an organism.}}

{{glossary end}}

==Y==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[yellow rain]]}}
{{defn|defn= A powdery, poisonous, yellow substance reported dropping from the air in the eastern parts of China and Asia and found to be the excrement of wild honeybees contaminated by a [[fungus|fungal]] toxin.}}
{{term|term= [[Sensory Cortex]]}}
{{defn|defn= The sensory cortex includes portions of the cerebral cortex, that wrinkly outer layer of the brain that process and make sense out of information gathered by our five senses: vision, audition (sound), olfaction (smell), gustation (taste), and somatosensation (touch).}}

{{glossary end}}

==Z==
{{glossary}}
{{term|term= [[zooplankton]]}}
{{defn|defn= }}
{{glossary end}}
{{compact ToC|side=yes|center=yes|nobreak=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes|}}
==See also==
{{portal|Ecology}}
*[[Outline of ecology]]
*[[History of ecology]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|Ecology}}

{{Glossaries of science and engineering}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Glossary Of Ecology}}
[[Category:Ecology|*]]
[[Category:Ecology lists|*]]
[[Category:Glossaries of biology|Ecology]]
[[Category:Ecology terminology]]
[[Category:Wikipedia glossaries using description lists]]