Physiological Ecology and Environmental Stressors

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to global climate change, physiological responses to environmental changes, and adaptations in various organisms.

Global Climate Change

Refers to long-term shifts in global or regional climate patterns, primarily due to increased greenhouse gases.

Anthropogenic Climate Change

Human-caused climate change, confirmed by the IPCC as the primary driver of observed global warming.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere; includes CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O.

CO₂

Carbon dioxide, the most significant greenhouse gas contributor through fossil fuel burning and deforestation.

Methane (CH₄)

A potent greenhouse gas, 24 times more effective than CO₂, mainly emitted from livestock and thawing permafrost.

Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)

A greenhouse gas approximately 310 times more potent than CO₂, primarily from fertilizers and combustion.

Ice Cores

Cylinders of ice drilled from ice sheets, providing data on past atmospheric compositions and climate change.

IPCC

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which produces periodic, scientifically-reviewed climate reports.

Physiological Responses to Climate Change

Refers to how organisms adjust their physiological traits in response to changing environmental conditions.

Range Shifts

Movement of species poleward or to higher elevations in response to climate change.

Squeeze Effect

Occurs when species are unable to shift ranges due to habitat limitations or competition.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in pH of the Earth's oceans due to absorption of atmospheric CO₂, affecting marine life.

Uric Acid Excretion

The process of excreting nitrogenous waste in a semi-solid form, advantageous for water conservation in dry habitats.

Torpor

A short-term reduction in metabolic rate and body temperature, allowing energy conservation.

Hibernation

A long-term torpor occurring during winter months, drastically reducing metabolic rates.

Estivation

Dormancy during high temperatures and drought, allowing survival in extreme conditions.

Metabolic Scaling

Examines how metabolic rates change with body size, generally stating that larger animals have lower metabolic rates per gram than smaller animals.

Countercurrent Exchange

A physiological mechanism where two fluids move in opposite directions, maximizing transfer rates of heat or gases.

Osmoregulation

The physiological process that maintains internal solute and water balance despite external environmental changes.

Gills

Respiratory structures in aquatic animals used for gas exchange, often utilizing countercurrent exchange.