Abiotic

Non-living components of the ecosystem (water, rock, air, sediments).

Autotrophs (producers)

Organisms that can convert energy from the sun by photosynthesis.

Biotic

Living components of the ecosystem.

Calcification

Calcium accumulation in the soil as a result of low rainfall.

Carnivores

Meat eaters.

Cheluviation

Iron and aluminium sesquioxides removed by chelating agents.

Climatic climax

Final stage in an ecosystem reached by vegetation.

Community

All species found in an ecosystem.

Detritivores

Decomposers.

Herbivores

Plant eaters.

Heterotrophs (consumers)

Feed on other organisms.

Illuviation

Material deposited in lower soil horizons.

Leaching

Material that is soluble moved downwards through the soil by solution.

Lessivage

Removal of fine clay particles from soil.

Net Primary Productivity (NPP)

Energy made available by plants for animals.

Plagio climax

Plant community unable to reach climatic climax due to human influence.

Podsolisation

Intensive leaching.

Primary productivity

Productivity of plants only.

Salinisation

Soluble salts moved upwards through the soil as a result of capillary action. Secondary Productivity - productivity of animals.

Sere

A group of species, found as an ecosystem progresses towards climatic climax.