Ecosystems & Biomes Flashcards

Question

Zonation

Answer 1

How an ecosystem changes over an environmental gradient

Answer 2

Change with - altitude - temperature - precipitation - solar insolation - soil type - species interactions (including humans)

Answer 3

Build up of persistent or non-biodegradable pollutants within an organism

Answer 4

Patterns of toxic buildup as trophic levels increase because they cannot be broken down - can disrupt flow of energy in ecosystem and lead to collapse

Answer 5

``` Occurs on bare abiotic surfaces (no soil) Stages: Bare land 1. Colonization - Pioneer Organisms 2. Establishment 3. Competition 4. Stabilization 5. Climax Community ```

Answer 6

Occurs when an established ecosystem is destroyed (soil still developed and present) EX: fire, flood, human activity Stages: 1. Seeds blow in & cover ground 2. Smalll shrubs start to colonize 3. Eventually trees establish resulting in mature soil & climax community

Answer 7

Collection of ecosystems sharing similar climactic conditions

Answer 8

1. Aquatic (freshwater & marine) 2. Forest (tropical, deciduous, coniferous) 3. Grassland (savanna, temperate) 4. Desert 5. Tundra (arctic & alpine)

Answer 9

- Altitude: higher you rise from sea level, colder the temperaure - Ocean & wind currents: distributes heat energy from equator back into poles - Precipitation to Evaporation ratio: when the same, P/E ratio is about 1, soil is rich and fertile

Answer 10

``` Location: - near equator Abiotic factors: - little variation in temperatures - no distinct seasonal changes - high biodiversity & biomass - hot & moist - about 100 in/yr of rainfall Biotic factors - plants grow in layers - animals are specialists - many symbiotic relationships Threats: - logging, cattle ranching - civilizations of people without homes Promote sustainable use of rainforests' products ```

Answer 11

``` Location: - tropics Abiotic Factors: - amount of precipitation supports tall grasses but only occasional trees - rainy & dry season - fire plays large role in plants resistance to drought - plants w thorns & sharp leaves against predation - animals migrate to follow scarce food Threats: - invasive species - changes in fire management - rises in sea level (global warming) ```

Answer 12

``` Location: - depends Abiotic Factors: - little to no topsoil due to high winds - minerals not deep in soil - too dry for decay - cannot support grass - hot days & cold nights Biotic Factors: - vegetation (cacti) waxy coating & shallow roots - animals (camel, cobras, lizards) (many nocturnal to avoid light) Threats: - residential development - offroad recreational activities - some plants removed by collectors ```

Answer 13

``` Location: - Russia, Ukraine, US - dry, cold, grasslands Abiotic Factors: - low precipitation, high winds - mountains Biotic Factors: - plants grow in bunches to preserve water - many migrate, hibernate, burrow during extremes in temp & precipitation Threats: - overgrazing - infastructure development - unmanaged hunting & poaching ```

Answer 14

``` Location: - coastal areas w Mediterranean climate Abiotic Factors: - climate = hot, dry summers mild, wet winters - slight variations in seasonal temperatures Biotic Factors: - camouflage to avoid predation - animals change diet as season changes Threats: - human development ```

Answer 15

``` Location: - temperate zone - much of human population lives here Abiotic Factors: - deep soil layers, rich in nutrients - precipitation (snow, rain, hail, fog, etc) - abundance of deciduous trees - 4 seasons Biotic Factors: - more ground dwelling plants (more sun) - animals adapt to seasons (shed coat, hibernate, etc) Threats: - deforestation Careful use of resources ```

Answer 16

``` Location: - northern hemisphere Abiotic Factors: - winters long & cold - soil poor in nutrients & very acidic - short growing season Biotic Factors: - plants have needles (conifer trees) - animals have thick coats and hibernate during extreme cold Threats: - mining operations - pollution ```

Answer 17

``` Location: - north of Arctic Circle Abiotic Factors: - temp rarely higher than 10º C - permafrost layer - short growing season Biotic Factors: - plants with shallow roots - short trees - animals wth small ears, insulation, thick coat Threats: - one of most fragile biomes - oil drilling ```

Answer 18

``` Abitoic Factors: - low / no salinity - lakes are deepest of fresh water system, fed by underground aquifer / streams - ponds fed by rainwater & may be seasonal Biotic Factors: - plants are floating (algae) - animals live in / by water Threats: - pollution ```

Answer 19

``` Abiotic Factors: - water recharge areas, removing pollutants - watertypes = brackish, freshwater - found on flat, poorly drained land - often near streams - very shallow w land occasionally exposed Biotic Factors: - large trees / shrubs - adapted to muddy soils Threats: - backfilling / clearing for farmland ```

Answer 20

Abiotic Factors: - cold & highly oxygenated - as it flows it will broaden out, warm up Biotic Factors: - unique life at dif points bc of water depth & temperature Threats: - disposing of waste products - runoff from homes = changes in acidity, pollution - dams alter water flow

Answer 21

- where fresh & saltwater meet Threats: - pollution from ports - humans

Answer 22

``` Abiotic Factors: - close to equator - consistent water temp Biotic Factors: - most diverse aquatic ecosystem Threats: - temp is essential, not too hot, not too cold - human intrusion (scuba diving) - pollution ```

Answer 23

Abiotic Factors: - open ocean = one of least productive areas on earth - covers nearly 3/4 of earth's surface Biotic Factors: - organisms vastly different depending on zone