Unit 2: Abiotic Environment

Condition

Abiotic environmental factor that varies in space and time and to which organisms respond differently (temp, humidity, pH, water flow rate)

Resource

Factor that organisms may use up and make less available to others (nitrogen, light, space)

Performance vs. Condition

Just because an organism can survive, doesn’t mean it can grow (most difficult to reproduce)

Homeotherms

Same, constant body temperature (warm-blooded) 

Poikilotherms

Variable body temperature; based on the environment (cold-blooded)

Endotherms

Heat generated internally 

Ectotherms

Heat from the environment

Diapause

Combination of temperature and photo period

Aestivation 

Period of inactivity in response to heat/drought

Conduction

Two bodies in contact; lose or gain heat from the environment (a frog on a rock); behaviorally homeothermic but not physiologically

Degree-Day Calculations

Important for forensic science; time for insect egg to complete stage of development

Endothermic

Generates its own heat

Exo Pros and Cons

Low cost to generate heat; limited environments; more energy for growth

Endo Pros and Cons 

Occupy wide range of environment; high energy cost 

Electromagnetic Spectrum and Ozone Layer

The ozone layer helps absorb a lot of ultraviolet light

Infrared and CO2

The infrared light can’t escape because of the large amount of carbon dioxide, leading to a warmer climateW

Impact of CFCs?

Broke down the ozone layer and allowed more ultraviolet light into the atmosphere

Thermocline

Division of cold and warm water

El Nino 

Disruption in weather pattern every 3-4 years

What happens during El Nino events?

Wind pushes warm surface water towards Australia, then it all rushes back towards coast of South America disrupting everything

What do El Nino events impact?

Damage fishing industry, and location of storm origination

Storm Generation during La Nina?

Generation in the Pacific moves westward

Storm generation during El Nino?

Storm generation moves eastward