microecosystems
Small self-contained environments
Microecosystems are small-scale, self-contained ecological systems—a rotting log, a tide pool, a patch of moss, the bacterial community in your gut.
The term emphasizes that complex interactions between organisms and their environment occur at miniature scales, not just across forests or oceans: The jar terrarium functions as its own microecosystem.
Minute soil animals
- microfloraMicroscopic organisms inhabiting environments
- rotiferCiliated microscopic aquatic invertebrate
- nematodeThreadlike parasitic worm
- tardigradeMicroscopic resilient eight-legged animal
algae · protozoa · bacteria · fungi · mites · springtails · copepods · diatoms
Two-way biological benefit
- commensalismNeutral host, benefiting guest
- parasitismOne benefits, one suffers
- lichenSymbiotic rock dweller
- biofilmAdhesive layer of microorganisms
coevolution · interdependence · consortia · obligate · facultative
Glass-walled growing enclosure
- aquariumTank for keeping fish
- vivariumEnclosure for living specimens
- microhabitatSmall distinct living area
- biofilmAdhesive layer of microorganisms
phytotelmata · carrion · seep · spring
Following in order
- colonizationForeign territorial takeover
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
Returning something to condition
- refugiaIsolated survival zones
- stewardshipResponsible care of entrusted things
- rewildingRestoring natural ecosystems
- connectivityState of being linked
Extracting subset for study
- fieldworkResearch conducted on location
- transectObservation path for surveys
- quadratBlank typesetting block
- culturingGrowing organisms artificially
incubation · microcosm · monitoring · enumeration · isolation · identification · taxonomy · bioindicators
microfauna
Minute soil animals
- microfloraMicroscopic organisms inhabiting environments
- rotiferCiliated microscopic aquatic invertebrate
- nematodeThreadlike parasitic worm
tardigrade · algae · protozoa · bacteria · fungi · mites · springtails · copepods · diatoms · amoeba
mutualism
Two-way biological benefit
- commensalismNeutral host, benefiting guest
- parasitismOne benefits, one suffers
- lichenSymbiotic rock dweller
biofilm · coevolution · interdependence · consortia · obligate · facultative
terrarium
Glass-walled growing enclosure
- aquariumTank for keeping fish
- vivariumEnclosure for living specimens
- microhabitatSmall distinct living area
phytotelmata · biofilm · carrion · seep · spring
succession
Following in order
- colonizationForeign territorial takeover
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
restoration
Returning something to condition
- refugiaIsolated survival zones
- stewardshipResponsible care of entrusted things
- rewildingRestoring natural ecosystems
sampling
Extracting subset for study
- fieldworkResearch conducted on location
- transectObservation path for surveys
- quadratBlank typesetting block
culturing · incubation · microcosm · monitoring · enumeration · isolation · identification · taxonomy · bioindicators