biology - climate change and ecological niches

phenology in the context of climate change

Phenology is the study of the timing of seasonal activities in animals and plants, which is influenced by climate change.

photoperiodism and its role in plant development

Photoperiodism is the response of plants to the length of day, which triggers developmental transitions such as flowering.

how temperature affects the growth of deciduous trees in autumn.

Decreasing temperatures and shorter day lengths in autumn lead to a cessation of growth in deciduous trees.

How do increasing temperatures in spring influence plants?

Increasing temperatures in spring trigger bud burst, which is the emergence of new leaves in many plants.

What factors influence the change in leaf color in autumn?

Temperature and moisture are the main influences on the change in leaf color in autumn.

the relationship between day length and flowering in plants

Some crop plants only flower when day length is longer, indicating that day length is a critical factor for flowering.

the impact of urbanization on phenological events

Warmer temperatures in urbanized areas lead to different and extended seasonal growth periods, affecting the synchrony of phenological events.

How does climate change disrupt the synchrony of phenological events?

Climate change can lead to a de-synchronization of phenological events, affecting the availability of food for migratory animals.

What is the significance of the shrub arctic mouse ear in Greenland?

The shrub arctic mouse ear is a native plant that grows in Greenland, highlighting the importance of local flora in the context of climate change.

the effects of temperature on bird migration

Temperature influences the migration patterns of birds, as it affects the availability of food sources.

the relationship between light availability and plant growth phases

Changes in day length associated with light availability initiate or stop growth phases in most plants, resulting in bud burst or bud set.

the consequences of de-synchronization for migratory animals

De-synchronization can leave migratory animals with inadequate supplies of food, as their food sources may not be available when they arrive.

the greenhouse effect and its significance for Earth's temperature

The greenhouse effect occurs when gases like methane and carbon dioxide absorb long-wave radiation (infrared radiation) reflected from the Earth's surface, keeping the planet warmer than it would be without these gases. Without the greenhouse effect, Earth's temperature would be below zero Celsius.

the most significant greenhouse gases and their role in climate change.

The most significant greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). They contribute to the enhanced greenhouse effect, which is primarily caused by human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation.

how human activities contribute to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels in internal combustion engines, coal power plants, and deforestation release significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

How does melting permafrost contribute to climate change?

Melting permafrost releases methane through methanogens in swamps, waterlogged soils, and landfill sites where organic waste is dumped, further exacerbating climate change.

the role of methanogenic bacteria in cattle farming and its impact on greenhouse gas emissions

Methanogenic bacteria in the guts of ruminants, such as cows, release methane during digestion. Excessive cattle farming increases methane emissions, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

positive feedback in the context of global warming

Positive feedback in global warming refers to a process where the end product amplifies the process that created it, potentially leading to a tipping point in climate change.

the concept of negative feedback in relation to global warming.

Negative feedback occurs when the end product of a process reduces the process that created it. In the context of global warming, there are very few changes that bring about negative feedback.

How does global heating affect permafrost and its implications for climate change?

As global heating accelerates, permafrost melts, which can release greenhouse gases like methane, further contributing to climate change.

List some natural processes that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Natural processes that release carbon dioxide include cell respiration and some natural forest fires.

the difference between greenhouse gases and other atmospheric gases like oxygen and nitrogen.

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, absorb long-wave radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect, while other abundant gases like oxygen and nitrogen do not absorb longer-wave radiation and therefore do not contribute to this effect.

the role of nutrient upwelling in ocean ecosystems

Nutrient upwelling brings nutrient-rich water to the surface, allowing consumers to feed on these nutrients, which contributes to nutrient cycling.

the significance of the global conveyor belt in ocean currents

The global conveyor belt is a system of ocean currents that transports water around the world, driven by wind for surface currents and differences in water densities for deep currents.

How does thermohaline circulation affect ocean currents?

Thermohaline circulation drives deep ocean currents based on differences in water density, which is influenced by temperature and salinity.

the impact of the global conveyor belt on Earth's climate

The global conveyor belt transports heat and nutrients, helping to keep Earth's climate stable.

What recent changes have scientists observed in ocean circulation?

Scientists have noticed a slowdown in ocean circulation, which may be exacerbated by climate change and rising temperatures.

the effects of climate change on temperate species in mountainous regions

Climate change is causing warmer temperatures at higher elevations, leading species that inhabit mountains to migrate upslope to find their optimal climate.

Explain the observed shifts in bird species in Papua New Guinea.

Research has shown strong upslope shifts of bird species in Papua New Guinea when comparing data from 1985 to 2017, indicating a strong response to temperature changes.

How does nutrient cycling contribute to ocean health?

Nutrient cycling supports the food web by providing essential nutrients for various marine organisms, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

What factors influence water density in the ocean?

Water density in the ocean is influenced by temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline), which are critical for driving thermohaline circulation.

the potential consequences of a slowdown in ocean circulation

A slowdown in ocean circulation could lead to extreme temperatures in different regions, affecting climate patterns and ecosystems globally.

Describe a habitat and its components.

A habitat is a place where a community, species, population, or organism lives, including both geographical and physical locations, as well as the type of ecosystem.

Explain the importance of adaptations for organisms in their habitat.

Organisms need to adapt to their biotic and abiotic factors within their habitat to survive and thrive.

Define biotic factors and give examples.

Biotic factors are 'living' factors that impact organisms, including feeding relationships, predator-prey dynamics, and symbiotic or mutualistic interactions.

What are abiotic factors and how do they affect organisms?

Abiotic factors are 'non-living' physical factors that influence specific adaptations of organisms, such as temperature, water availability, and soil composition.

How do high altitude conditions affect plant adaptations?

Plants at high altitudes face abiotic stresses like UV radiation, low temperatures, water scarcity, and frozen soil, leading to adaptations such as small leaves and thick fleshy leaves.

Describe adaptations of plants growing on beach dunes.

Plants on beach dunes adapt to conserve water and tolerate high salt concentrations through features like underground stems, thick waxy coverings on leaves, and the ability to roll leaves.

Explain the adaptations of Marram grass.

Marram grass has adaptations such as fine narrow leaves to resist strong winds, a thick waxy cuticle to reduce water loss, and the ability to roll leaves to minimize surface area in hot, dry weather.

What challenges do plants face in sandy environments?

Plants in sandy environments face challenges like low water retention and minimal organic matter, which complicate water uptake and nutrient absorption.

How do competition and environmental factors influence plant growth in mature dunes?

In mature dunes, competition for light and soil nutrients from other species affects plant growth and survival.

Describe the conditions under which mangrove swamps develop.

Mangrove swamps develop in tropical and subtropical regions where they grow under sheltered conditions, often in coastal areas.

Define an ecological niche.

An ecological niche is the role a species fulfills in an ecosystem, including its tolerance to abiotic and biotic variables that determine its habitat.

Explain how organisms adapt to their ecological niche.

Organisms adapt physically and behaviorally to their environments in order to carry out their role in a niche and minimize competition.

Describe the three categories of organisms based on their oxygen requirements.

Organisms are categorized as obligate aerobes (require oxygen), obligate anaerobes (do not require oxygen), and facultative anaerobes (can survive with or without oxygen).

What is the role of autotrophs in an ecosystem?

Autotrophs synthesize organic compounds, such as sugars and amino acids, using energy from sources like sunlight or chemical reactions.

Differentiate between photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs.

Photoautotrophs produce organic compounds from CO2, water, and light energy through photosynthesis, while chemoautotrophs produce organic compounds from other elements through chemosynthesis.

Explain the feeding strategy of saprotrophs.

Saprotrophs obtain food from dead and decaying matter by secreting enzymes and digesting it externally.

Describe the nutritional mode of parasites.

Parasites obtain food from other organisms without killing them, often living off their host.

What is the significance of adaptations in species occupying a specific niche?

Adaptations help species avoid competition and enable them to thrive in their specific ecological niche.

Define heterotrophs and their role in the ecosystem.

Heterotrophs obtain organic compounds by consuming other organisms, either internally or externally.

Explain the concept of zone of tolerance in relation to ecological niches.

The zone of tolerance refers to the range of abiotic and biotic factors that a species can withstand while fulfilling its role in an ecosystem.

Describe the role of herbivores in an ecosystem.

Herbivores are organisms that primarily consume plant material, playing a crucial role in energy transfer within food webs.

How do facultative anaerobes differ from obligate anaerobes?

Facultative anaerobes can survive in both the presence and absence of oxygen, while obligate anaerobes cannot survive in the presence of oxygen.

What adaptations might a species exhibit to minimize competition in its niche?

Species may exhibit physical adaptations, such as specialized feeding structures, or behavioral adaptations, such as altered foraging patterns, to minimize competition.

Explain the process of photosynthesis in photoautotrophs.

Photoautotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy by producing organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water through photosynthesis.

Describe the role of decomposers in an ecosystem.

Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.