ESS - 2.3-2.5

How does climate vary with altitude, and how does this affect vegetation zones?

as altitude increases, temperature decreases (~6.5°C per 1000 m). This causes a shift in vegetation zones similar to moving from the equator toward the poles, leading to different biomes like tropical forest → temperate forest → alpine tundra.

How can you distinguish between the climates of two locations using climate data?

Compare average temperatures, temperature ranges, total annual precipitation, and seasonal rainfall patterns using climographs or data tables.

What is the relationship between climate and the type of biome present in a region?

Biomes are defined by climate. Wet and hot regions support rainforests, dry areas support deserts, and cold regions support tundra or taiga. Temperature and precipitation are the key factors.

How do elevation and geographic features influence vegetation distribution?

Elevation affects temperature and moisture. Geographic features like mountains create rain shadows, while proximity to oceans moderates climate, all of which influence where different types of vegetation grow.

What are two examples of terrestrial biomes, and how do they differ?

Tundra is cold, dry, and has permafrost with low biodiversity. Tropical rainforest is hot, wet year-round, and has high biodiversity and layered vegetation.

What factors influence the global distribution of biomes?

Latitude (sunlight), altitude (temperature), precipitation, ocean currents, and proximity to large bodies of water all influence biome distribution.

How can you identify a biome on a map using climate and location data?

Use temperature, rainfall, and latitude. For example, areas near the equator with high rainfall are tropical rainforests, while dry mid-latitude regions may be deserts or grasslands.

What is zonation, and how is it different from succession?

 Zonation is the spatial distribution of species due to environmental gradients (e.g., altitude or tidal zones). Succession is a temporal change in an ecosystem over time.

How do water temperature and oceanic zonation affect productivity?

Warm, shallow waters (like coastal zones) allow more sunlight and nutrient cycling, supporting higher productivity than deep, cold waters.

Why are estuaries considered highly productive ecosystems?

Estuaries receive nutrient-rich freshwater and allow high light penetration. The mix of salt and freshwater creates diverse and productive environments.

 What is the formula for Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?

NPP = Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) – Respiration (R). It represents the energy available to consumers.

Which ecosystems have high and low average NPP values?

High: tropical rainforest (~2200 g/m²/yr), estuaries (~1500 g/m²/yr). Low: desert (~90 g/m²/yr), open ocean (~125 g/m²/yr).

How do you interpret a graph showing NPP for different biomes?

Identify which biomes have the highest values (often warm, wet ones), and link trends to sunlight, water, and nutrient availability.

Why is the NPP of the open ocean relatively low despite its large area?

Because of limited nutrients in deep water and light penetration only in the upper photic zone.

 What is ecological succession?

 It’s the natural, gradual change in species composition and ecosystem structure over time.

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Primary occurs on barren land with no soil (e.g., after lava flow). Secondary occurs after a disturbance where soil remains (e.g., after a fire or flood).

What changes occur in an ecosystem during succession?

Increased soil depth and nutrients, more complex food webs, higher biodiversity, and greater biomass.

What are the characteristics of a climax community?

Stable, self-sustaining, high biodiversity, complex trophic levels, and efficient nutrient cycling.

How can you interpret a climograph to identify a biome?

 Look at average temperature, precipitation, and seasonal variation. For example, high rainfall and constant warm temperatures indicate a tropical rainforest.

What patterns should you look for in productivity maps or graphs?

Higher productivity near the equator or in coastal zones. Look for correlations with rainfall, temperature, and light availability.

What kind of ecological explanation would support an observed increase in NPP after a disturbance?

Early succession species grow quickly and use available nutrients. Over time, improved soil and energy flow increase productivity.