Global Ecology

Global ecology

The study of interactions among organisms and abiotic components within the entire biosphere.

Biosphere

The zone on, above (atmosphere), and below (subsurface) the earth’s surface where life exists.

Water cycle

The continuous movement of water between reservoirs including the atmosphere, organisms, and the earth's surface and subsurface.

Reservoirs of the water cycle

Include the atmosphere, organisms (primarily plants), and earth surface and subsurface.

Transfer processes of the water cycle

Include precipitation, evaporation, uptake and release by organisms, and surface and subsurface flow.

Human impact on the water cycle

Reductions in plant biomass leading to increased surface runoff, evaporation, and altered precipitation patterns.

Carbon cycle

The biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth.

Reservoirs of the carbon cycle

Include the atmosphere, organisms, and the earth’s subsurface (soil, sediment, fossils).

Transfer processes of the carbon cycle

Include uptake by primary producers that reduces atmospheric carbon and processes like cellular respiration that increase it.

Climate change

Change in long-term temperature and precipitation patterns due to global warming.

Global warming

Increasing average temperature on earth.

Greenhouse gases

Gases such as CO2 that trap solar energy in the lower atmosphere and are increasing due to fossil fuel combustion and declining plant biomass.

Impacts of climate change on biological production

Increasing air temperatures and altered water cycles lead to decreased net production and species diversity.

Stressful abiotic conditions

High temperatures, low water availability, and storm-related disturbances caused by climate change.

Extinction-avoidance

The ability of species to survive climate change through dispersal capacity or adaptations requiring genetic diversity.

Human welfare challenges due to climate change

Higher temperatures, reduced water availability, increased storms, habitat loss, and reduced ecosystem services.