Exam 3 Concept questions Flashcards
(29 cards)
What physical characteristics of Earth allow for such diversity of life to exist?
what is the main driver of atmospheric circulation?
spherical shape because it leads to latitudinal variations In temperature
why is the 3 cell model a more accurate description of global patterns in atmospheric circulation?
what biomes are associated with the rising and descending parts of the circulation cells?
how does the tilt of the Earth, it’s rotation, and its orbit all contribute to seasons?
how does the ITCZ zone and its seasonal movement influence global precipitation patterns?
how does elevation affect local climate?
how do large bodies of water effect coastal climate (land vs sea breeze)?
what are 3 key factors to understanding populations?
distribution, population density, and population growth rates
what determines dispersion and density?
resources, limiting resources, behavioral and social factors
how does reproductive state influence population density?
what is biotic potential?
maximum growth rate under ideal conditions
r selective populations
common in fluctuating or unpredictable environments- keeping population In lag or exponential phases. small, short lifespan, mature early, no care
k selective populations
common in relatively stable and predictable environment0 population is near K with minimal fluctuation size
how is population size regulated?
how is species richness influenced by latitude and topography?
what factors are commonly used to quantify species diversity?
how is species diversity and community stability linked?
how do communities change over time?
major trophic levels within a food chain
why is a food web more representative of relationships in nature?
what is the main reason why chain length in most food webs are short?
how do ecological pyramids describe the distribution of number, biomass and energy between trophic levels?
what influences primary production and why are ecologists interested in understanding factors that influence primary production?
