3 - Biomes II Flashcards

(24 cards)

1
Q

What percentage of Earth’s surface do marine ecosystems cover

A

Marine ecosystems cover 79% of Earth’s surface and contain 97% of its water

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2
Q

How are marine ecosystems divided

A

Marine ecosystems are divided by depth, distance from shore, light availability, and temperature

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3
Q

How are marine environments influenced by climate

A

Marine environments are less influenced by climate than terrestrial ecosystems but are still affected by global atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns

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4
Q

What is the Intertidal Zone, and what challenges do organisms face there

A

The area between high and low tide, with highly variable conditions (e.g., temperature and salinity). Organisms must tolerate rapid changes

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5
Q

What are the divisions of the Benthic Zone by depth

A

The Benthic Zone is divided into:

Bathyal Zone (200–4000 m)
Abyssal Zone (4000–6000 m)
Hadal Zone (6000+ m)

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6
Q

Name some key marine ecosystems and their features

A

Seagrass beds
Kelp forests
Coral reefs
Pelagic environment
Neritic Province
Oceanic Province

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7
Q

Seagrass beds

A

Shallow, productive, provide habitat

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8
Q

Kelp forests

A

Temperate, diverse, and productive

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9
Q

Coral reefs

A

Warm, shallow waters, high biodiversity

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10
Q

Pelagic environment

A

Open ocean

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11
Q

Neritic Province

A

0–200 m over the continental shelf

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12
Q

Oceanic Province

A

Beyond 200 m, covers 75% of the ocean

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13
Q

What is marine snow and its role in deep-sea ecosystems

A

Marine snow is organic matter that falls from upper layers, providing nutrients for deep-sea organisms

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14
Q

Why is solar radiation uneven on Earth

A

Due to Earth’s spherical shape and axial tilt (23.44°), the equator receives more direct sunlight year-round, while the poles receive sunlight at a lower angle, spreading energy over a larger area

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15
Q

What causes seasonal variations in climate

A

Seasonal variations are caused by Earth’s tilt and orbit, changing sun angles throughout the year, leading to temperature changes, especially at higher latitudes

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16
Q

How does warm air affect global air circulation

A

Warm air rises at the equator, creating low pressure.

As it rises, it cools, leading to rainfall, and the dry air moves poleward, sinking at ~30° latitude, creating dry zones (e.g., deserts)

17
Q

What is a Hadley Cell and its role in air circulation

A

A Hadley Cell is a cycle of rising air at the equator, cooling and sinking at ~30° latitude, driving the tropical climate and desert formation

18
Q

What are the primary wind systems and their directions

A

Trade Winds: East to west in the tropics.

Westerlies: West to east in temperate regions.

Polar Easterlies: East to west at high latitudes.

19
Q

What drives surface ocean currents

A

Wind patterns, Earth’s rotation, and landmasses shape ocean currents, redistributing heat from the equator to the poles

20
Q

What are the effects of warm and cold ocean currents

A

Warm currents (e.g., Gulf Stream) heat nearby land, while cold currents (e.g., California Current) cool it

21
Q

What is the importance of upwelling zones in marine environments

A

Upwelling zones bring nutrient-rich waters to the surface, increasing productivity and supporting marine ecosystems

22
Q

How are climate zones formed

A

Climate zones are defined by the interaction of air and ocean circulation, including tropical, temperate, and polar zones

23
Q

How do climate patterns influence biome distribution

A

Climate zones explain the distribution of biomes such as rainforests at the equator, deserts at 30° latitude, and tundra at the poles.

24
Q

: What factors affect global climate patterns

A

Temperature, precipitation, and seasonality patterns are influenced by global air and ocean circulation