Terrestrial Ecosystems

What is an ecosystem?

A community of organisms and their physical environment consisting of biotic and abiotic elements.

What are biotic elements of ecosystems?

Biotic elements include organisms, biomass, and genetic resources.

What does biomass refer to in the context of ecosystems?

Biomass refers to all of the living and non-living biological material.

What factors are considered abiotic elements in ecosystems?

Abiotic elements include air, water, sunlight, temperature, and nutrients.

What is the photosynthesis equation?

6CO2 + 6H2O —SUNLIGHT—> C6H12O6 + 6O2 (Carbon Dioxide + Water —> Carbohydrates + Oxygen).

What is a biome?

A biome is a collection of broadly similar types of plants and animals in a geographical area, primarily a function of climate.

List some plant growth forms.

Herb, annual, herbaceous perennial, woody perennial, tree, vine.

What are the four main types of biomes?

Forest, grassland, desert, Arctic and alpine tundra.

What defines forest ecosystems?

Forest ecosystems are associations of large woody perennial tree species, often forming a closed canopy.

What adaptations do plants have for drought conditions?

Deep roots, small leaves, waxy coating on leaves, deciduous nature, rapid germination, and flowering.

What is the function of CAM and C4 metabolic pathways?

They are adaptations for plants to efficiently use water, especially in high temperature environments.

How do xerophytic plants adapt to their environment?

They may have deep roots, small leaves, waxy coatings, water storage capabilities, and specialized metabolic pathways.

What species are examples of CAM plants?

Bromeliads, agaves, cacti, and many epiphytes and succulents.

Describe a characteristic of C4 plants.

C4 plants are adapted to high temperature environments and have a more efficient use of water.