Current Issue: A6_The Boreal Forest Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is Ecozone/Ecological Land Classification?
A system for classifying areas of land based on ecological characteristics, providing a baseline for resource management and conservation. In Alberta, this is represented by Natural Regions and Subregions.
What are Natural Subregions?
Subdivisions within Natural Regions in Alberta, reflecting variations in climate, topography, soil, and disturbance history that influence ecosystem types.
What was the Hypsithermal Period?
A past warm climate period (4,000-8,000 years ago) used as an analog to understand how ecosystems responded to warmer and drier conditions.
What does Mean Annual Temperature (MAT) refer to?
The average temperature over a year.
What does Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) refer to?
The average amount of precipitation (rain and snow) over a year.
What is the Climate Moisture Index (CMI)?
An index that reflects the amount of moisture available to plants, considering both precipitation and evapotranspiration. A negative CMI indicates a moisture deficit.
What is Evapotranspiration?
The combined process of evaporation from the land surface and transpiration from plants, which moves water into the atmosphere.
What is the Bioclimatic Envelope Model?
A statistical model that defines the unique climate conditions associated with a particular ecosystem type and is used to predict its distribution under different climate scenarios.
What is a General Circulation Model (GCM)?
A complex computer model used to simulate the global climate system and project future climate changes based on greenhouse gas emission scenarios.
What is the A2 Scenario?
A high greenhouse gas emission scenario used in climate modelling, assuming continued population growth and relatively slow technological development.
What is the B1 Scenario?
A low greenhouse gas emission scenario used in climate modelling, assuming more rapid technological development and a shift towards a service and information economy.
What is an Ecocline?
A gradual change in ecosystem characteristics along an environmental gradient, such as temperature or moisture.
What is Succession in ecology?
The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.
What is Permafrost?
Ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years.
What are Peatlands?
A type of wetland characterized by the accumulation of partially decayed plant material (peat) under waterlogged conditions.
What are Ecosystem Services?
The benefits that humans receive from natural ecosystems, including environmental (e.g., climate regulation, water purification), economic (e.g., timber, resources), social (e.g., recreation, education), and cultural values.
What is a Carbon Sink?
A natural or artificial reservoir that accumulates and stores carbon-containing chemical compounds.
What is a Carbon Source?
Anything that releases carbon into the atmosphere.
What is a Mesocosm Experiment?
An experimental approach that uses enclosed or semi-enclosed outdoor spaces to study ecological processes under controlled conditions, providing a link between laboratory experiments and field studies.
Who are Indigenous Guardians?
Stewards on the land, often from Indigenous communities, who help manage and conserve the land based on traditional knowledge, cultural values, and sometimes Western science.
