Lecture 14/15

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts discussed in lectures about climate change, its impacts, and the implications for various species.

Global Warming

The increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Carbon Cycle

The process by which carbon is exchanged between the Earth's atmosphere, land, and oceans.

Greenhouse Effect

The warming of Earth’s surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases.

Historical Records (1800s)

Data indicating a rise in global temperatures over the past few centuries.

Glacier Retreat

The process in which glaciers are shrinking in size due to rising temperatures.

Endotherms

Animals that maintain a constant internal body temperature through metabolic means, like humans.

Ectotherms

Animals that depend on external sources of temperature regulation, like insects.

Phenology

The study of the timing of life cycle events in plants and animals.

Range Expansion

The movement of species into new geographic areas due to changing environmental conditions.

Bark Beetle

An insect that has expanded its range due to climate change, significantly affecting forests.

Plant Hardiness Zones

Geographical zones that indicate which plants can survive winter temperatures.

Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale

A pest that has migrated northward into previously cooler regions due to climate change.

Monarch Butterfly

A species threatened by climate change due to alterations in overwintering habitats.

Bumble Bee Declines

The decrease in bumble bee populations linked to climate warming and other stressors.

Geographical Range Shifts

Changes in the geographic distribution of a species due to climate change.

Thermal Position

The temperature tolerance of a species in relation to climate changes.

Artropod Abundance

The number of arthropods within an ecosystem, which may decline due to climate changes.

Cloud Forests

Unique ecosystems characterized by high biodiversity and persistent cloud cover.

Heat Stress

The physiological strain on organisms due to extreme temperatures.

Insectometers

Metaphorical term referring to indicators of ecosystem health based on insect populations.

Extreme Weather Events

Unusual weather patterns that are becoming more frequent due to climate change.

Carbon Dioxide

A greenhouse gas primarily produced by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

Methane

A potent greenhouse gas that is more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat.

Nitrous Oxide

A greenhouse gas emitted from agricultural and industrial activities.

Heat Dome

A weather phenomenon that traps heat in a specific area, leading to extreme temperatures.

Drought

A prolonged period of deficient rainfall relative to the statistical multi-year average.

Pollination Disruption

A negative effect of climate change on the timing and efficiency of plant pollination.

European Bumblebees

Bumblebee species across Europe that are affected by climate change leading to range shifts.

Species Richness

The number of different species represented in a given ecological community.

Habitat Loss

The decline in the area and quality of habitats leading to species extinction.

Temperature Tolerances

The range of temperatures within which an organism can survive and thrive.

Species Extinction Risk

The likelihood that a species will become extinct due to changing environmental conditions.

Juvenile Development

The growth process that may be affected in insects as a result of rising temperatures.

Fossil Fuels

Natural substances like coal, oil, and gas formed from the remains of ancient organisms.

Ecosystem Dynamics

The changes in composition and behavior of ecological communities over time.

Carbon Emissions

The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, primarily from human activities.

Climate Monitoring

The tracking of climate parameters to assess changes over time.

Biodiversity Loss

The reduction in the variety of life in a given ecosystem, often due to environmental changes.

Temperature-Dependent Activity

Behavioral or physiological changes in species that are influenced by temperature.

Lethal Cold Temperature

Extreme cold that can kill organisms and prevent their survival.

Footprint of Climate Change

The overall impact of climate change on natural and human systems.

Environmental Indicators

Signs that give information about the health of an ecosystem, like insect populations.

Longitudinal Studies

Research carried out over a long period to understand changes and trends.

Air Mass Movement

The movement of large bodies of air that can affect local weather patterns.

Asynchronous Seasons

When seasonal changes occur at different times than usual, affecting ecosystems.

Sub-lethal Heat Effects

Heat exposure that does not kill but adversely affects an organism's performance.

Declining Arthropods

The significant reduction in arthropod populations as a result of climate impacts.

Measuring Biodiversity

The assessment of the variety and abundance of life forms in an ecosystem.

Climate Adaptation Strategies

Approaches to adjust to the effects of climate change to minimize harm and exploit beneficial opportunities.

Temperature Increases

The rise in global temperatures that influences various ecological and biological processes.

Pollinator Health

The overall state of insect populations that are crucial for pollinating plants.