ecosystems Flashcards
(39 cards)
What is an ecosystem?
A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
Define a biome.
A large geographical area characterized by specific climate conditions and particular types of plants and animals.
Name three major types of biomes.
Forests, deserts, and grasslands.
What is the primary source of energy in most ecosystems?
The Sun.
Define producers in an ecosystem.
Organisms, like plants, that produce energy through photosynthesis.
What is the 10% rule in energy transfer?
Only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next; the rest is lost as heat.
What factors influence the distribution of biomes?
Climate factors like temperature and precipitation.
Where are tropical rainforests typically located?
Near the equator.
Which biome is characterized by permafrost?
Tundra.
Describe the desert biome.
Arid regions with low precipitation and sparse vegetation.
What characterizes the grassland biome?
Dominated by grasses, moderate rainfall, and few trees.
Name a key feature of the temperate forest biome.
Four distinct seasons with deciduous trees.
What is the dominant biome in Australia?
Desert and semi-arid regions.
Name a unique Australian biome.
The Great Barrier Reef (marine biome).
What type of forest is common in eastern Australia?
Eucalyptus-dominated temperate forests.
Define Gross Primary Productivity (GPP).
The total amount of energy produced by producers in an ecosystem.
What is Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?
GPP minus the energy used by producers for respiration; energy available to consumers.
Which biome has the highest NPP?
Tropical rainforests.
Name a major human activity altering biomes.
Deforestation.
How does urbanization affect biomes?
It replaces natural habitats with built environments, reducing biodiversity.
What is desertification?
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically due to drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
How do biomes contribute to food security?
They provide ecosystems for agriculture, fisheries, and livestock.
What biome is most used for agriculture?
Grasslands and temperate forests.
How does climate change threaten food security?
By altering precipitation patterns and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, affecting crop yields.
