APES Unit 3 Review: Terrestrial and Aquatic Biodiversity

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity.

African Savanna

A type of grassland characterized by scattered trees, warm temperatures, and alternating dry and wet seasons.

Weather

The set of physical conditions of the lower atmosphere in a given area at a specific time, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, etc.

Atmospheric Pressure

The result of molecules or gases in the atmosphere at high speeds bouncing off everything they encounter.

El Niño

A phenomenon where winds weaken or reverse, allowing warmer western Pacific waters to move towards South America.

La Niña

The opposite of El Niño, leading to cooler coastal waters and affecting weather patterns.

Coriolis Effect

The deflection of air due to Earth's rotation, which affects wind patterns and climate distribution.

Biomes

Large terrestrial regions characterized by climate and different forms of plant life, such as deserts and forests.

Greenhouse Gas

Gases in the troposphere that contribute to the greenhouse effect, such as carbon dioxide and methane.

Rain Shadow Effect

When dry air descends from mountains, warming and becoming drier, leading to arid conditions on the leeward side.

Convection Cells

Patterns of air movement that occur when warmer, less dense molecules rise and cooler, denser molecules sink.

Desert Ecosystems

Ecosystems characterized by low precipitation, high temperatures, and vulnerable to long-term damage due to slow nutrient cycling.

Coral Reefs

Massive colonies of polyps that provide important ecosystem services and are threatened by climate change and pollution.

Aquatic Life Zones

Saltwater or freshwater parts of the biosphere capable of supporting life.

Nekton

Strong swimming consumers in aquatic systems, such as turtles and fish.

Eutrophication

Nutrient influx into water systems leading to changes in physical, chemical, and biological conditions.

Freshwater Ecosystems

Aquatic ecosystems that provide essential services and biodiversity, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Turbidity

Cloudiness in water caused by sediments or other particles, which can negatively impact aquatic life.