Understanding Biomes and Ecosystems

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to biomes, ecosystems, biodiversity, and ecological concepts as discussed in the lecture.

Biome

A large regional assembly of ecosystems characterized by a specific set of climatic and soil conditions.

Temperature and Precipitation

The two main measurements that define the conditions of a biome.

Arctic Tundra

A biome known for its very cold temperatures, low precipitation, and short growing seasons, primarily home to hardy plants like shrubs and mosses.

Permafrost

Soil that remains frozen for at least two years, commonly found in the Arctic tundra.

Boreal Forest

A biome characterized by long growing seasons and more precipitation compared to the Arctic tundra, primarily populated by coniferous trees.

Drunken Trees

Trees in boreal forests that appear to lean due to the melting of permafrost undermining their roots.

Convergent Evolution

The development of similar features in species of different lineages due to similar environmental pressures.

Savannah

A type of tropical grassland characterized by scattered trees and large grazing animals, with significant biodiversity.

Charismatic Megafauna

Large animal species that attract public interest, often used in conservation efforts.

Ecotone

A transitional zone between two or more different ecosystems or biomes, rich in biodiversity.

Biodiversity Hotspot

A region with high levels of endemic species and significant habitat loss, requiring conservation efforts.

Alpha Diversity

The diversity of species within a specific community or ecosystem.

Beta Diversity

The difference in species diversity between different ecosystems or communities.

Mass Extinction Event

A widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth, often caused by catastrophic events.

Species Richness

The number of different species represented in an ecological community.

Species Diversity

The variety of species in a community, taking into account both the number of species and their relative abundance.