Introduction to Ecology, Biogeography and Biomes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamental concepts of ecology, biogeography, climate patterns, and biome classifications based on Chapter 54 learning objectives.

Biogeography

The study of the geographic distribution of species, influenced by factors such as plate tectonics, continental drift, isolation, and speciation.

Columbian Exchange

A case of human-mediated long-distance dispersal that reshaped species distributions, agriculture, and disease dynamics.

Island Biogeography Theory

A theory used to predict how island size and distance from the mainland affect species richness.

Organism

The most basic level of ecological inclusion.

Population

The level of ecological inclusion above the organism level.

Community

The level of ecological inclusion consisting of multiple populations.

Ecosystem

The level of ecological inclusion that incorporates communities and abiotic factors.

Landscape

The level of ecological inclusion consisting of several ecosystems.

Biosphere

The highest level of ecological inclusion, encompassing the entire planet.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components influencing terrestrial biomes, including solar energy, temperature, water, inorganic nutrients, oxygen availability, and wind or fire.

Climate

The long-term weather patterns of a region determined by solar energy, the planet's movement in space, and latitude.

Rain Shadows

A regional effect on climate generated by landforms that influence moisture distribution.

30° Latitude

The region where dry air descending from the equator reabsorbs water from the land, typically generating deserts.

Biomes

Major life zones often characterized by their prevailing vegetation and shaped by regional climate patterns.

Trade Winds

Prevailing winds that travel from east to west and contribute to weather patterns.

Westerlies

Prevailing winds that travel from west to east and contribute to weather patterns.

Terrestrial Biomes

Land-based biomes defined by broad patterns of temperature, precipitation, and disturbance regimes like fire.

Aquatic Biomes

Water-based biomes characterized by the broad features of marine and freshwater systems.