Chapter 44: Ecology & The Biosphere

What is ecology?

Ecology is the branch of biology that studies the interactions between organisms and their environment.

How does ecology integrate different scientific disciplines?

Ecology requires integration of various disciplines such as biology, chemistry, geology, and meteorology to understand complex interactions in ecosystems.

What are abiotic components of the environment?

Abiotic components are the non-living physical and chemical elements in the environment, such as sunlight, temperature, water, and minerals.

What are biotic components of the environment?

Biotic components are the living organisms in an ecosystem, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.

What is biogeography?

Biogeography is the study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time.

What abiotic factors affect global distribution of species?

Abiotic factors include climate, soil type, water availability, and temperature, which influence where species can thrive.

How do abiotic forces impact aquatic environments?

In aquatic environments, abiotic forces such as water temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels affect species distribution and ecosystem health.

How do abiotic forces impact terrestrial environments?

In terrestrial environments, abiotic forces such as soil composition, climate, and topography influence plant growth and animal habitats.

What are the two major abiotic factors that determine terrestrial biomes?

The two major abiotic factors are temperature and precipitation, which shape the characteristics of different biomes.

What are the eight major terrestrial biomes?

The eight major terrestrial biomes are tropical rainforest, savanna, desert, temperate forest, temperate grassland, taiga, tundra, and polar ice.

What are the characteristics of ocean zones?

Ocean zones include the intertidal zone, neritic zone, oceanic zone, and abyssal zone, each defined by depth, light availability, and distance from shore.

What are the characteristics of standing water biomes?

Standing water biomes, like lakes and ponds, are characterized by still water, varying depths, and distinct zones such as littoral, limnetic, and benthic.

What are the characteristics of flowing water biomes?

Flowing water biomes, such as rivers and streams, are characterized by moving water, varying flow rates, and a gradient from headwaters to mouth.

What is global climate change?

Global climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth, primarily driven by human activities.

What are greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

What is the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.