Factors Effecting a Functioning Ecosystem Flashcards
Define atmosphere
A thin, gaseous veil surrounding the Earth, held to the planet by the force of gravity
Give a diverse examples of the atmospheres impact on ecosystems
The warm, moist climate of rainforest ecosystems accelerates the rate of plant growth, the decay of dead material and the take-up of minerals, which is the main reason they are dynamic.
Link to -> carbon cycle, nutrient cycle
What is the atmospher also the source of?
The atmosphere is also the source of nutrients - nitrogen, carbon and oxygen as well as water
Define hydrosphere
Total amount of water on a planet. Includes water on the surface of the planet, underground, and in the air.
How are the hydrosphere and atmosphere linked?
The hydrosphere (water on Earth’s surface) and is closely linked to the atmosphere since it is the atmosphere that determines the nature of the water cycle.
Give an example of how the hyrodphere and atmosphere are linked within an ecosystem?
For example, polar ecosystems are cold deserts with annual rainfalls of less than 250mm and very little freshwater - because of the extreme cold and low precipitation, polar ecosystems function slowly. In tropical rainforests, the large volumes of rainfall increases the speed at which elements cycle through the ecosystem, which leads to high levels of biodiversity.
What is one nagative impact of too much water within an ecosystem?
Too much water can quickly leach the soil and erode the land. If people have removed land from ecosystem, these processes can cause silting of neighbouring rivers and can negatively impact their ecosystems.
Define lithosphere
What effect do climatic factors have on the role of the lithosphere? give an example
Climatic factors affect the role that soils play - Example of permafrost soils of tundra ecosystem - cold climate means soil is frozen - decomposer activity is virtually non-existent, and moisture is unavailable to plants.
How do landforms effect ecosystems?
Variations in elevations can impact plant and animal communities.
Average temperatures decrease with increasing altitude (lapse rate) so the climate and ecosystems of mountains differ.
How many organisms does the biosphere contain?
The biosphere contains two types of organisms - those that can manufacture their own food (autotrophs) and those that cannot (heterotrophs).
Define autotrophic organisms
Self-sufficient manufacturers of food.
How do autotrophic organisms work?
They use solar energy (light), water, carbon dioxide and nutrients from the soil to manufacture the organic compounds that they use as a source of energy and nutrients.
Outline the most common autotrophic organisms and where within the food chain they are
Most autotrophic organisms are green plants that make organic compounds via photosynthesis. These organisms are the lowest trophic level in the food chain and form the base of food web -> producers
Define heterotrophic organisms
Consumers that cannot make their own food
