Resource constraints

macroclimate

large scale climate patterns that prevail over entire regions and are determined by climate cells and topography

microclimate

small scale climate patterns that can deviate from macroclimate and are determined by landscape, vegetation, or small scale topography features

timberline

tree line on mountains that reflects a shift in microclimate with increasing elevation

sun angle on slopes influencing microclimate

south slopes are exposed to the sun so there is less snow and less water and less plants. North slopes don’t receive as much light so they get more snow and more water to grow plants better.

vegetations influence on microclimates

shade is cast from larger trees so the understory temperatures are cooler with less evaporation

surface colours influence on microclimate

light colours reflect light so surroundings do not increase temp. dark colours absorb light so that the surface and surroundings increase in temp

albedo

the reflectivity of a landscape

• how much light is reflected and does not get absorbed

range of tolerance

the entire range of environmental conditions in which the organism can survive

• refers to a single environmental condition unlike the fundamental niche which considers all conditions

law of tolerance

environmental conditions that limit growth also affect the abundance and distribution of organisms

evolutionary tradeoffs

adapting to one set of environmental conditions generally reduces fitness in other environments

principle of allocation

organisms have access to a limited amount of energy so they must allocate it to specific functions. when an organisms gives more energy to one function, it reduces the energy available to others.

• in optimal conditions, all areas are provided for

poikilotherms

animals whose body temp varies with environment

homeotherms

animals whose body temp is constant regardless or environment

ectotherms

control body temperature using external energy

endotherms

control body temperature using internal energy

ways to avoid extreme temps

avoidance

• die

• migrate

resistance

• adaptations

• acclimate

hibernation vs estivation

hibernation - adaptation to cold temp

estivation - adaptation to hot temp

Types of adaptations to extreme temps

• morphological (lower SA:V)

• physiological (reduced metabolic rate and freeze avoidance)

• behavioural (shelter

isoosmotic

organism that has the same water concentration and solutes as the environment

hyperosmostic

organisms has a lower water concentration and a higher solute concentration than the environment

hypoosmotic

organism has a higher water concentration and a lower solute concentration than the environment

Anadromous

lives in saltwater, lays eggs in freshwater

catadromous

lives in freshwater, lays eggs in saltwater

water potential

waters potential energy/capacity to do work

• water moves from high to low water potential

• water potential is highest in soil and lowest in canopy

water conservation strategies in animals and plants

• thick waxy cuticles

• extra water storage

• conservation of urine, feces, and sweat

• behavioural adaptations

• wilting