Apes

What defines a biome?

A biome is a large region characterized by its climate, plants, and animals.

What two major climate factors shape biomes?

Temperature and precipitation.

How does temperature change with latitude?

Temperature decreases with increasing latitude, as insolation is highest at the equator.

What drives global rainfall patterns?

The uneven heating of the Earth drives atmospheric circulation.

What are the three major global wind belts?

They are regions where warm, moist air rises and cool, dry air sinks, starting at the equator.

What is primary productivity?

The rate at which producers convert sunlight into chemical energy (glucose) through photosynthesis.

What nutrients are essential for plant growth?

Nitrogen and phosphorus are especially important.

What is the formula for measuring net primary productivity (NPP)?

NPP = GPP - R, where GPP is gross primary production and R is cellular respiration.

What happens to light penetration in aquatic biomes?

Photosynthesis declines with depth; red light is absorbed within 1 meter, while blue light penetrates deepest.

What is the significance of coastal upwelling zones?

They have some of the highest net primary productivity (NPP) in the ocean due to nutrient-rich waters rising to the photic zone.

How do moisture and heat affect soil fertility?

Moisture helps break down organic material, while heat speeds up decomposition, both contributing to soil fertility.

What is the relationship between biomass and soil fertility?

High biomass with fewer trees creates more organic matter, while trees lock nutrients in their trunks, affecting soil fertility.

What are the consequences of climate change on biomes?

Modern shifts include shrinking tundra, expanding deserts, and other biomes shifting north.

What is the role of chloroplasts in plants?

Chloroplasts are where photosynthesis occurs, allowing plants to absorb blue and red wavelengths of light.

What is the significance of glucose in plants?

Glucose is the chemical energy used for growth, reproduction, and energy storage.

What limits productivity in aquatic biomes?

Light and nutrients are limiting factors; dead organisms and feces sink, removing key nutrients from the photic zone.

What happens to nutrient availability in deeper waters?

Deeper waters become nutrient-poor, limiting productivity due to the sinking of organic material.

What is the impact of winds on ocean productivity?

Winds push warm surface water away from coasts, allowing nutrient-rich cold water to rise, supporting high biodiversity.

What is the primary role of producers in an ecosystem?

Producers convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food web.

How do seasonal changes affect soil organic matter?

Seasons cause growth and dieback cycles, leading to more organic matter entering the soil.