MYP Biology Interactions with Environment Key Definitions

Nonliving environmental conditions such as temperature, light, pH, and moisture.

A small molecule that stores and releases energy for cell processes.

Pollutants building up in an organism’s tissues over time.

Pollutant concentrations increase at higher trophic levels.

Living material that contains stored chemical energy.

Interactions with living organisms, such as food availability, predators, competitors, and symbiotic partners.

The protection and management of ecosystems and species to preserve biodiversity and ecological stability.

Additional warming caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.

The natural warming of Earth caused by greenhouse gases trapping outgoing longwave radiation.

The natural environment that provides the resources and conditions an organism needs to survive and reproduce.

Any alteration to the environmental conditions of a habitat that affects the organisms living there.

A species with an unusually large influence on its ecosystem.

The smallest population size required for long-term survival.

Actions that reduce the severity of environmental harm or restore ecosystems after damage has occurred.

The continuous movement of essential chemical elements through living organisms and the environment.

The unsustainable use of a renewable resource, causing its population size to decrease over time.

Introduction of harmful substances/energy into air, water, or soil that negatively affects organisms or ecosystems.

The ability of an ecosystem to withstand change or recover after disturbance.

The natural, ordered progression of species recolonizing and rebuilding an ecosystem.

A situation where individuals or nations overuse a shared resource for personal gain, causing long-term harm to the whole group.