Coping with Environmental Determinants of Species Distributions

These flashcards cover key concepts related to how organisms cope with varying environmental conditions, focusing on physiological, behavioral, and evolutionary strategies.

Coping with the Environment

Strategies and mechanisms organisms use to survive and thrive in varying environmental conditions.

Species Distribution

The pattern of where species are found, which is influenced by environmental conditions that organisms can tolerate.

Acclimatization

A short-term, reversible adjustment in an organism's physiology, morphology, or behavior to minimize stress from environmental changes.

Adaptations

Long-term genetic changes in a population that enhance survival and reproduction in response to environmental conditions.

Evapotranspiration

The total water loss from a plant via transpiration and surface evaporation.

Pubescence

The presence of small, white hairs on leaves that can reduce solar radiation and convection, aiding in temperature regulation.

Boundary Layer

The zone of turbulent flow over a leaf's surface that affects heat exchange between the leaf and environment.

Endotherms

Organisms that generate their own heat and are capable of self-regulating their body temperature.

Ectotherms

Organisms that rely on environmental heat to regulate their body temperature, though they can still self-regulate.

Bergman’s Rule

A principle stating that larger body sizes are found in colder environments, reducing the surface area to volume ratio.

Counter-current heat exchange

A circulatory system mechanism in animals that helps to maintain body temperature by transferring heat between blood vessels.

Torpor

A state of decreased physiological activity in an animal, usually characterized by a reduced metabolic rate.

Hibernation

A prolonged state of torpor occurring in some animals during cold months to conserve energy.

Water Balance

The balance of water uptake and loss in organisms, crucial for survival.

Mycorrhizae

Symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots that enhance water and nutrient absorption.

CAM Photosynthesis

A photosynthetic adaptation in some plants that allows them to fix CO2 at night and minimize water loss during the day.