Final Flashcards
Biosphere
Global ecosystem Sum of all the planets ecosystems
Ecology
Scientific study of the interactions between organisms and the environment
Global Ecology
Examine influence of energy and materials on organisms across biosphere
Landscape
Mosaic of connected ecosystems
Ecosystem
Community of organisms in an area and the physical factors which they interact
Community
Group of populations of different species in an area
Populations
Group of individuals of same species living in an area
Organismal Ecology
Studies how and organisms structure, physiology, and behavior meet environmental challenges
Climate
Long term prevailing weather conditions
Biotic Factors
Interactions with other species Predation Competition
Abiotic Factors
Vary in space and time Temperature Water Sunlight Wind Rocks (nutrients)
Temperature
Cells freeze below 0 C Proteins denature above 45 C Mammals and birds expend energy to regulate temp
Water
Availability effects species distribution
Salinity
Salt concentration affects water balance of organisms High salinity is dangerous for most species
Sunlight
Light intensity and quality affect photosynthesis Water absorbs light, therefore most photosynthesis happens near surface High sunlight can lead to high heat stress
Rocks and Soil
Physical structure, pH, and mineral consumption affect animals and plants
Global Climate
Each hemisphere has number of distinct climate zones with characteristic weather patterns
Global Climate Patterns
Determined by solar energy and Earths movement in space Warming effect of sun causes temperature variations and air/water circulation
Latitudinal Sunlight Variation
Angle of sunlight affects intensity Intensity is strongest in tropics (23.5 degrees N and S)
Global Air Circulation
Water evaporates in tropics Warm wet air masses flow from tropics to poles Rising wet air masses release water and cause lots of rain at tropics Dry descending air creates arid climates at 30 N/S This air flow creates predictable wind Cooling Trade Winds and Westerlies Creates wet zones at equator and arid zones at 30 N/S
Cooling Trade Winds
From 30 S to 30 N Blow to west from east
Westerlies
30 N/S to 60 N/S Blow To east from west
Air Pressure
Global air circulation creates predictable pressure zones High pressure zones at 30 N/S Low Pressure at equator
Seasonality
Seasonal variations in light and temp increase towards pole Caused by tilt of axis