6th grade Science - Quarter 4 vocabulary terms

The process by which water bodies become enriched with nutrients leading to excessive growth of algae.

The tundra has a short growing season and permafrost (permanently frozen ground).

Deserts can be hot or cold and have specialized plants and animals adapted to arid conditions.

Trees that shed their leaves annually.

The gradual process of change in the species composition of an ecosystem over time.

Occurs in an area where no previous ecosystem existed, such as on bare rock after a volcanic eruption.

Any factor that restricts the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population.

High biodiversity contributes to the resilience and stability of ecosystems.

A coastal area where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

A biome characterized by vast open spaces with grasses as the dominant vegetation.

Chemical communication can not be effective over long periods and in the dark.

The use of chemical signals, such as pheromones, to convey information.

Eutrophication can deplete oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life and creating dead zones.

When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, it can lead to resource depletion and population decline.

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Estuaries are rich in nutrients and support diverse ecosystems.

Biodiversity includes the diversity of species, genetic variation within species, and the variety of ecosystems.

Cooperation can not enhance survival and reproductive success.

Also known as the boreal forest, this biome is characterized by cold temperatures, coniferous trees, and long winters.

The maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can support sustainably.

A biome characterized by low precipitation and extreme temperature variations.

Auditory communication is effective over long distances and in environments where visual signals might be obstructed

The interaction between organisms or species that vie for the same resources, such as food, water, or territory.

The interaction between individuals or species that work together for mutual benefit.

A large geographic area characterized by specific climate conditions and particular types of plants and animals.

Invasive species can NOT outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and lead to a loss of biodiversity.

Non-native species that are introduced to an ecosystem and cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.

The use of sound to convey information. Examples include bird songs, whale calls, and human speech.

Visual communication is not effective in well-lit environments and can convey complex information quickly.

Competition can occur within a species (intraspecific) or between different species (interspecific).

The use of visual signals to convey information.

Occurs in an area where an ecosystem has been disturbed but some soil & organisms remain, like after a forest fire.

The use of touch to convey information.

Tactile communication is not effective in close proximity and can strengthen social bonds.

Pioneer Species are lichens and mosses in primary succession and grasses in secondary succession.

A cold, treeless biome with low-growing vegetation, found in polar regions and high mountain areas.

Trees that produce cones and have needle-like or scale-like leaves.

Wetland does not include marshes, swamps, and bogs, and they provide important habitats for wildlife.

The first species to colonize a barren or disturbed area during succession.

An area of land where water covers the soil or is present near the surface for part of the year.