Chapter 4 Flashcards
(16 cards)
Describe desert climate, soil, vegetation.
Climate: Arid (<250 mm rain), extreme temps.
Soil: Sandy, low organic matter.
Vegetation: Cacti, succulents, sparse.
Describe rainforest climate, soil, vegetation.
Climate: Hot/wet year-round.
Soil: Thin, nutrient-poor (leaching).
Vegetation: Dense canopy, epiphytes, high biodiversity.
Describe temperate forest climate, soil, vegetation.
Climate: Moderate rain, distinct seasons.
Soil: Fertile, rich in humus.
Vegetation: Deciduous trees (oak, maple).
Describe taiga climate, soil, vegetation.
Climate: Cold, long winters.
Soil: Acidic, slow decomposition.
Vegetation: Conifers (pine, spruce).
Describe grassland climate, soil, vegetation.
Climate: Seasonal rain, droughts.
Soil: Deep, fertile (prairie soils).
Vegetation: Grasses, few trees.
Describe tundra climate, soil, vegetation.
Climate: Permafrost, very cold.
Soil: Frozen, low nutrients.
Vegetation: Mosses, lichens, dwarf shrubs.
What is primary succession? Describe its starting point, timescale, and pioneer species.
Starting Point: Bare rock/no soil (e.g., after volcanic eruption).
Timescale: Centuries.
Pioneer Species: Lichens, mosses.
What is secondary succession? Describe its starting point, timescale, and pioneer species.
Starting Point: Existing soil (e.g., after forest fire).
Timescale: Decades.
Pioneer Species: Grasses, weeds.
How do primary and secondary succession differ in timescale and starting conditions?
Primary: No soil (bare rock), Slower (centuries)
Secondary: Soil present, Faster (decades)
GPP vs. NPP. State the formula.
GPP: Total energy from photosynthesis.
NPP: GPP minus respiration
(NPP=GPP−R-).
NPP determines energy available to ecosystems.
Benefits of protecting biodiversity.
Ecosystem: Stability, nutrient cycling.
Humans: Medicines, food, ecotourism.
Evaluate CITES and IUCN Red List.
CITES: Bans trade of endangered species (effective but limited enforcement).
IUCN Red List: Tracks species status (raises awareness but no legal power).
What is the EDGE program?
Purpose: Conserves Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered species (e.g., pangolins).
Role: Prioritizes unique species at risk of extinction.
Captive breeding: Pros and cons.
Pros: Saves near-extinct species (e.g., California condor).
Cons: Expensive, may reduce genetic diversity.
How has deforestation affected rainforests?
Fragmentation: Isolates species, reduces biodiversity.
Climate Change: Releases CO₂, alters rainfall patterns.
Strategies to manage Antarctic human impacts.
Antarctic Treaty (1959): Bans mining, promotes science.
Tourism Control: Permits, waste regulations.
Protected Areas: No-go zones for wildlife.
