Untitled Flashcards Set

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Weather refers to short-term variations in temperature and precipitation, while climate describes the long-term average patterns.

Define the Greenhouse Effect.

The Greenhouse Effect is caused by clouds and surface structures that absorb solar radiation and reflect it back, affecting Earth's climate.

What causes Hadley Cells?

Hadley Cells are created when warm air rises at the equator and cools, creating predictable patterns of weather from 0 to 30 degrees latitude.

What is the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?

The ITCZ is the region where trade winds converge, allowing ships to reliably travel between Africa and the new world.

Explain the Coriolis Effect.

The Coriolis Effect causes a deflection in air movement due to the Earth's rotation, influencing weather patterns.

What factors determine biomes?

Biomes are determined by climate, specifically temperature and water availability, as well as dominant plant growth forms.

What is convergent evolution?

Convergent evolution occurs when similar structures arise in organisms that do not share a common ancestor, often due to similar environmental pressures.

What are the four or five general categories for terrestrial areas?

1. Snow/Polar, 2. Temperate, 3. Equatorial, 4. Arid.

How do climate graphs predict growing seasons?

Climate graphs chart annual cycles of rain and temperature, indicating which conditions limit plant growth.

What role do mountain ranges play in species distribution?

Mountain ranges create rain shadows, leading to differing amounts of rainfall on either side, thus affecting species distribution.

What is the profundal zone of a lake?

The profundal zone is the area of a lake that sunlight cannot penetrate, hosting organisms that typically feed on decomposing material.

Describe lake turnover.

Lake turnover is the seasonal mixing of lake waters that occurs in spring and fall, redistributing nutrients and maintaining aquatic ecosystems.

What is the significance of the thermocline?

The thermocline is the layer in a body of water where temperature changes rapidly, affecting the distribution of aquatic life.

Why do deserts generally not burn?

Deserts typically lack sufficient organic material to burn and are adapted to hot and dry conditions.

Which animals demonstrate convergent evolution related to flight?

Birds and bats both exhibit flight adaptations but do not share a common ancestor.