Ecology and Biomes Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts about ecology, biomes, and environmental factors discussed in the lecture.

What are the main influences on global patterns of life on Earth?

Sunlight and global atmospheric circulation.

What happens to solar radiant energy as it passes through the atmosphere?

Absorbs about half of the energy within the atmosphere.

How does the greenhouse effect work?

Sunlight hits the earth, bounces back, and the ocean keeps it in, trapping heat.

Is the Earth tilted on its axis?

Yes, this affects the amount of direct sunlight received at different latitudes.

How does air temperature affect its water vapor content?

Warm air holds more water vapor than cold air.

At what latitude do air masses descend, leading to desert regions?

Thirty degrees latitude.

What is the Coriolis effect?

The curvature of the path of winds due to the Earth's rotation.

How does the Coriolis effect influence wind direction in the Northern Hemisphere?

Winds curve to the right of their direction of motion in a counterclockwise direction.

How do mountains affect rainfall patterns, creating rain shadows?

Rain falls on one side (windward), making the opposite side (leeward) dry.

What are monsoons?

Regional shifts in wind patterns, which affect rainfall.

What happens to temperature as elevation increases?

Temperature decreases.

What are microclimates?

A highly localized set of climatic conditions within a small area.

How are biomes typically named?

Named according to their vegetational structure.

What environmental conditions are high in a tropical rainforest?

Temperature and rainfall.

What is a savanna?

Tropical or subtropical grasslands with rainfall between 50 to 125 cm per year.

How much rainfall do deserts typically receive?

25 to 40 centimeters of rainfall per year, which is unpredictable.

What are two characteristics of grasses in grasslands and prairies?

Roots that penetrate deep into the soil and adaptation to periodic fires.

Where do temperate evergreen forests (coniferous forests) typically occur?

Along coastlines with temperate climates.

How is oxygen added to freshwater habitats?

Photosynthesis and aeration from the atmosphere.

How is oxygen removed from freshwater habitats?

Animal and detritus respiration and through decaying organic matter.

What is the photic zone in a lake?

The area where light penetrates, and photosynthesis is possible.

What is the thermocline?

Transition layer between warm and cold waters in a lake.

What is anoxia?

Occurs when oxygen is totally depleted in the water.