LO2 (climate and other abiotic factors affecting species distribution)

explain the difference between weather and climate

weather: occurs at a specific time and place (temperature, humidity, precipitation)

climate: long-term average pattern of weather (local, regional, global)

explain what causes seasons and why seasonal changes in temperature and daylight are more pronounced at temperate and polar latitudes than at tropical latitudes

seasons are caused by the earth's axis and rotation. at different times of the year the sun hits different areas of the earth as it rotates around the sun. with the axis of 23.5˚ the earth receives different amounts of light throughout the year. the seasonal changes in temperature and daylight are more pronounced at temperate and polar latitudes because of the earth's axis and rotations.

describe how climate and other abiotic factors influence the distribution of species and provide examples

climate influences when species reproduce, when they forage, size of animals, and color of animals. examples are colored wings of butterflies changing with body temperature to acclimate to thermoregulation. another example is temperate birds foraging in spring when the day-length increases. other abiotic factors include pH, moisture, temperature, nutrient availability, wind, fire.

define microclimate

climate within a small area that differs significantly from the climate of the surrounding area