| Term | Definition |
|
Fundemental niche |
the full range of enviornmental factors and conditions under which an organism can exist |
|
Realized niche |
a narrowed niche in which organisms exist as a result of biological pressure and interactions with other organisms |
|
Adaptive zone |
a set of ecological niches that may be occupied by a group of species that exploit the same resources |
|
Invertibrate |
an organism with no spine |
|
Vertibrate |
an organism with a spine |
|
Paletable |
edible |
|
Diurnal |
active during the day |
|
Nocturnal |
active during the night |
|
Dessication |
drying out |
|
Percolation |
ability of structure to allow the penetration of fluids |
|
Permeability |
amount of fluid penetrating |
|
Biodiversity |
the variety of all forms of life within an environment |
|
Metabolism |
chemical reactions which convert food into energy |
|
Catabolism |
the process in which large molucules are broken down and their energy is released |
|
Anabolism |
the process in which small molucules are changed into more complex molucules |
|
Enzyme |
protiens made of amino acid |