General ecology Flashcards
(170 cards)
1
Q
climate vs. weather
A
weather is one day; climate is long term patterns
2
Q
maritime vs continental climates
A
maritime more stabilized (less seasonal temp variation) and higher rainfall
continental more extreme variation and lower rainfall
3
Q
intertropical convergence zone
A
zone around equator where hadley cells meet forcing moist air up and dumping rain
moves around by season (further N in summer)
4
Q
dust bowl
A
1931; OK, KA, TX, CO; blow off topsoil in dark clouds across continent; drought caused and fallow fields and dryness mean easy blow away
5
Q
monsoons
A
migration of intertropical convergence zone towards poles during their respective summers; cooler air in summers over oceans blows in as land heats into less dense hot air
vast majority of rain falls in summer season with little in winter bc reverses (called anticyclone) where cool air blows out from interior
6
Q
relative humidity
A
humidity in air as percent of saturation for that temp
7
Q
ENSO
A
el nino southern oscillation
heating of water off peru-chile deepening thermocline; hot air rises drawing in air and rain from E pacific
8
Q
supercell and tornado
A
a cell is a set of up and down air currents; many of them found in storms; some really big ones merge all into 1 supercell which stops the cold and hot air from mixing making it stronger and longer lived
wind shear creates vortex mesocyclone (cyclone when rotate same direction as coriolis), low pressure pushes down, condensation makes funnel column of tornado visible
9
Q
last glacial period
A
wisconsinian up until 1mya; interglacial period after is holocene; grasses expand after
10
Q
Senescence
A
Death of plant tissue that do not kill the individual but contribute to the detrital pool
11
Q
The benefits humans derive from ecosystems
A
Ecosystem services
12
Q
biota
A
All the living organisms in an area
13
Q
Detrivore
A
organism that feeds on plant and animal remains and other dead matter
14
Q
decomposers
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Organisms that break down the dead remains of other organisms
15
Q
Chaparral
A
A scrubland biome of dense, spiny evergreen shrubs found at midlatitudes along coasts where cold ocean currents circulate offshore; characterized by mild, rainy winters and long, hot, dry summers.
16
Q
Estuary
A
A habitat in which the fresh water of a river meets the salt water of the ocean.
17
Q
Individual
A
One single organism
18
Q
Population
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A group of individuals that belong to the same species and live in the same area
19
Q
Community
A
All the different populations that live together in an area
20
Q
Ecosystem
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A community of organisms and their abiotic environment
21
Q
Biosphere
A
Consists of all life on Earth and all parts of the Earth in which life exists, including land, water, and the atmosphere.
22
Q
Microclimate
A
Consists of very fine patterns, such as those encountered by the community of organisms underneath a fallen log
23
Q
Macroclimate
A
Distance north or south of the equator
24
Q
Endotherms
A
Animals (such as birds or mammals) that can regulate their body temperature.
25
Ectotherms
An animals that warms itself mainly by absorbing heat from its surroundings
26
Regulators
Maintain nearly constant internal environment, despite external condition
27
Conformers
Allows internal environment to vary. Typically organisms whose environments remain relatively stable.
28
Uniform Distribution
Distribution where populations are spaced evenly, because of competition or antagonism between individuals
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Random Distribution
Distribution in which the location of members in a population is totally random, location of each individual is determined by chance
30
Clumping
Distribution in which there are areas of high density and areas where there are no individuals. The most common distribution because environmental conditions are seldom uniform.
31
Mullerian Mimicry
Two or more unpalatable species resemble each other
32
Batesian Mimicry
A harmless species mimics a harmful one
33
Aposematic
Warning coloration
(Bright Colors)
34
Cryptic Coloration
Camouflage
35
Morphological Responses
Changing the anatomy of the body
(Ex. Fur color change in winter)
36
Agonistic Behavior
A type of behavior involving a contest of some kind that determines which competitor gains access to some resource, such as food or mates.
37
Fixed Action Patterns
Innate behaviors that are triggered by specific stimuli
38
Kinesis
Random movement in response to a stimulus
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Imprinting
The process by which certain animals form attachments during a critical period very early in life
40
Taxis
Movement toward or away from a stimulus.
41
Habituation
Loss of responsiveness to stimuli that convey little or no information
42
Spatial Learning
The modification of behavior based on experience with the spatial structure of the environment.
43
Associative Learning
Learning through trial and error
44
Classical Conditioning
A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired.
(Pavlov's Dog)
45
Operant Conditioning
Learning based on the consequences of responding, reward or punishment.
(Skinner's Box)
46
Altruism
Behavior that might decrease individual fitness, but increase the fitness of others
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Inclusive Fitness
The sum of an individual's own reproductive success plus the effects the organism has on the reproductive success of related others.
48
Kin Selection
Natural selection that favors altruistic behaviors by enhancing reproductive success of relatives.
49
Gross Primary Productivity
The total amount of energy that producers in an ecosystem capture over a given amount of time
50
Net Primary Productivity
Gross Primary Productivity - Respiration
51
Lake Stratification
Lack of mixing of a lake due to differences in water temperature (density)
52
Biological magnification
toxic substances stored in a body can be passed on to the next trophic levels; next level gas gets a larger amount. (ex. mercury, BDT)
53
El Niño
Humboldt current is warmer than normal
54
what is the effect of El Niño?
-no upwelling so nutrients are not being recycled for the food chain
-fish population declines
-more evaporation and rains in some regions, drought in others
-this affects worldwide climate
55
doubling formula
70/rate
56
causes of Acid Rain
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)
57
Potential niche
no competitors and unlimited resources
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Niche
the biotic and abiotic resources used by an organism
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Realized niche
fundamental niche that a species actually occupies in nature
60
Poikilotherm
body temperature fluctuates based on outside conditions
61
cohort life table
recording the death of a group of individuals born at relatively the same time
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static life table
recording the age of death of a group of individuals assuming they have they experienced the same events
63
three nutrients of soil
nitrogen,phosphorus, potassium(NPK)
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recourse partitioning
organisms split the recourse to avoid competition
65
species diversity levels
ALPHA- WITHIN HABITAT
BETA - BETWEEN COMMUNITIES
GAMMA - IN A REGION
66
Wet deposition
acidic rain, fog, and snow
67
Dry deposition
acidic gases and particles
68
Carbon Dioxide
Major greenhouse gas from fossil fuel combustion.
69
why does methane trap more heat
Methane (CH4) has a more complex molecular structure than CO2, with more bonds between atoms, allowing it to vibrate and twist in more ways. This increased vibrational complexity enables methane to absorb a wider range of infrared wavelengths, which are the wavelengths of heat radiation emitted by the Earth.
70
Methane
Greenhouse gas produced by livestock and landfills.
71
Nitrous Oxide
Greenhouse gas from agricultural and industrial activities.
72
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Synthetic compounds harmful to the ozone layer.
73
Acid Rain
Precipitation with high levels of sulfuric and nitric acids.
74
Genetic Diversity Preservation
Maintaining variety within species' genetic makeup.
75
Climate Change Adaptation
Adjusting practices to minimize climate change impacts.
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Indigenous Knowledge
Traditional ecological knowledge from indigenous communities.
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Entisols
New, shallow soils with little horizon development.
78
Extreme Weather Events
Severe weather changes linked to climate change.
79
Climate Indicators
Data reflecting changes in Earth's climate system.
80
Temperature Increase
Average global temperature increased by 1°C since 1850.
81
Current Warming Rate
Increasing by over 0.2°C per decade.
82
97 Percent Consensus
Majority of climate scientists agree on human impact.
83
Paleoclimate Evidence
Ancient data indicating past climate changes.
84
Ice Cores
Samples revealing historical atmospheric gas levels.
85
Tree Rings
Natural records indicating past climate conditions.
86
Ocean Sediments
Layers showing historical climate changes.
87
Coral Reefs
Marine structures indicating ocean temperature changes.
88
Sedimentary Rocks
Layers revealing Earth's climatic history.
89
Rapid Climate Change
Current warming is 10 times faster post-ice age.
90
Ice Sheet Mass Loss
Greenland lost 279 billion tons annually (1993-2019).
91
Antarctic Ice Loss
Antarctica lost 148 billion tons of ice yearly.
92
Glacier Retreat
Glaciers are retreating globally, affecting various regions.
93
Decreasing Snow Cover
Spring snow cover in Northern Hemisphere declining.
94
Sea Level Rise
Global sea level rose 8 inches last century.
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Accelerating Sea Level
Recent rate of rise nearly double last century.
96
Intense Rainfall Events
Events
U.S. experiencing more intense rainfall occurrences.
97
Arctic Sea Ice Decline
Extent and thickness of Arctic sea ice decreasing.
98
Ocean Acidification
Surface ocean acidity increased by 30% since 1800s.
99
Carbon Dioxide Absorption
Oceans absorb 20-30% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions.
100
carbonic acid reaction
CO₂(g) + H₂O(l) ⇌ H₂CO₃(aq)
101
Energy Absorption
90% of infrared heat absorbed by greenhouse gases.
102
Nitrous Oxide
Released from fertilizers, increased by 18% in 100 years.
103
Enteric Fermentation
Major source of methane from livestock digestion.
104
Historical Sea Level Increase
Global sea level rose about 8 inches since 1880.
105
Low Emission Scenario
Projects sea level rise of at least 0.3 meters.
106
High Emission Scenario
Could increase sea level by up to 2 meters.
107
Causes of Sea Level Rise
Melting ice and warming seawater expansion.
108
Flooding Amplification
Storm surges and tides worsen flooding effects.
109
Long-Term Sea Level Rise
Will continue beyond 2100 due to ocean response.
110
Forest Burn Area Increase
Human-caused climate change doubled burned forest area.
111
Wildfire Season Extension
Warming has lengthened wildfire seasons in the West.
112
Future Wildfire Projections
Land burned by wildfires may increase 2 to 6 times.
113
Ecosystem Diversity
Variety of ecosystems in a geographic area.
114
Frost-Free Season
Lengthening since 1980s, especially in the West.
115
Historical CO2 Changes
Tracked through air bubbles in ice.
116
Cane Toad
An amphibian invasive species harming native wildlife.
117
Lake Trout
Native to Great Lakes, invasive in Yellowstone Lake.
118
Ballast Water
Water carried by ships, often containing invasive species.
119
Burmese Python
Invasive species causing problems in the Everglades.
120
Climate Change Effects
Effects
Invasive species thrive due to changing climate conditions.
121
Garlic Mustard
Invasive plant species spreading in new areas.
122
Brown Tree Snake
Caused extinction of nine bird species in Guam.
123
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid
Invasive pest decimating eastern hemlock trees.
124
Direct Threats
Predation and competition from invasive species.
125
Indirect Threats
Altered food webs and ecosystem conditions by invasives.
126
Kudzu
Aggressive plant replacing diverse ecosystems with monocultures.
127
Downy Brome
Invasive grass increasing wildfires in Western U.S.
128
Saltcedar
Invasive plant making soil inhospitable for natives.
129
Leafy Spurge
Invasive plant reducing livestock grazing capacity.
130
Pink Bollworm
Insect causing economic losses in cotton farming.
131
Zebra Mussels
Invasive species blocking water intake pipes.
132
Sea Lamprey
Predatory fish reducing commercially significant fish populations.
133
Asian Tiger Mosquito
Vector for diseases like West Nile Virus.
134
Africanized Honey Bee
Aggressive bee species attacking humans and animals.
135
Red Imported Fire Ant
Ant species inflicting painful stings on humans.
136
sulfur dioxide acid rain reaction
SO₂ + H₂O → H₂SO₃
137
nitrogen oxides acid rain reactions
2NO2 + H2O → HNO3 + HNO2
138
Electric Power Generation
Major source of atmospheric SO2 and NOX.
139
Long-Distance Transport
Winds carry pollutants across borders, affecting distant areas.
140
Normal Rain pH
Normal rain has a pH of about 5.6.
141
Acid Rain pH Range
Acid rain typically has a pH between 4.2 and 4.4.
142
NADP
National Atmospheric Deposition Program, monitors acid rain.
143
NTN
National Trends Network, collects wet deposition data.
144
CASTNET
Clean Air Status and Trends Network, estimates dry deposition.
145
LTM Network
Long-Term Monitoring Network, tracks surface water chemistry.
146
Acidic Water Effects
Acid rain leaches aluminum, harming aquatic life.
147
pH 5 Sensitivity
Most fish eggs cannot hatch at pH 5.
148
Critical pH for Frogs
Frogs tolerate pH around 4, mayflies need above 5.5.
149
Effects on Trees
Acid rain leads to dead or dying trees.
150
Episodic acidification
Temporary increase in water acidity.
151
Persistence
Duration a pollutant remains in the environment.
152
Fluorine Effects
Causes appetite loss, muscular weakness, and death.
153
Arsenic Effects
Leads to severe salivation and acute poisoning.
154
Lead Effects
Causes paralysis, diarrhea, and convulsions in animals.
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Dioxin Effects
Persistent pollutants causing cancer and immune damage.
156
Particulate Matter
Respiratory health effects depend on size and characteristics.
157
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Chemicals from burning fossil fuels and organic matter. Harmful to health.
158
Naphthalene
A PAH causing irritation and blood abnormalities.
159
Forever chemicals
"Forever chemicals," or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and human bodies, posing potential health risks and are found in various products like non-stick cookware and firefighting foam
160
Pfa toxicity
Toxic levels
PFAS are harmful at parts per quadrillion.
161
Troposphere
Lowest atmospheric layer where human activities occur.
162
Stratosphere
Layer above troposphere containing most atmospheric ozone.
163
Ozone
Molecule with three oxygen atoms, absorbs UVB light.
164
UVB radiation
Harmful UV light linked to skin cancer.
165
Ozone-depleting substances (ODS)
Compounds releasing chlorine or bromine under UV light.
166
Shelterbelts
Vegetation barriers that reduce wind impact.
167
Succession
Sand --> grass --> shrubs --> hardwood --> forest
Forest is climax, can be brought back to beginning by destruction.
168
Glogar's Rule
Black skin under light pelage more common in the cold. May also be because of warning, camoflague, mate choice. Higher latitude means lighter color.
169
Allen's Rule
Appendage length increases closer to equator. Reducing SA/V. Limbs are radiators, minimizing cost. Hotter areas need species that can dump heat.
170
Bergmann's Rule
Increase in body size in cold area. Storing fat, increasing volume with minimum surface area.
