CHAPTER 2: THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

What is physiological ecology?

A branch of ecology that studies how the physiological traits of organisms influence their distributions and interactions with the environment.

What is the difference between a population and a community in ecology?

A population is a group of individuals of the same species in a particular area, while a community is a collection of different populations of species interacting in an area.

What is an ecosystem?

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

What is the biosphere?

The global sum of all ecosystems, where life exists on Earth.

How does insolation influence temperature and rainfall?

Insolation affects temperature and air circulation; areas receiving more sunlight tend to be warmer and influence local and global climate patterns.

At what latitudes would you expect to find rain forests?

Rain forests are typically found around the equator, within the tropics, where warm, moist air rises and causes heavy precipitation.

What defines a maritime climate?

A maritime climate is characterized by moderate temperatures and higher humidity due to the influence of nearby oceans.

What is albedo?

Albedo is the measure of reflectivity of the Earth's surface; surfaces with high albedo reflect more solar energy.

How does deforestation impact albedo?

Deforestation can increase albedo, leading to higher reflectivity and potentially raising local temperatures due to reduced solar energy absorption.

What is El Nino?

El Nino is a climatic pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, affecting global weather patterns.

How do Milankovitch cycles affect global climate?

Milankovitch cycles are changes in the Earth's axial tilt and orbit that influence climatic patterns, including the timing of glacial and interglacial periods.

What is the rain shadow effect?

The rain shadow effect occurs when mountains block the passage of rain-producing weather systems, causing one side to be wet and the other dry.

How do atmospheric circulation cells impact climate?

Atmospheric circulation cells distribute heat and moisture across the globe, creating distinct climate zones based on latitude and geography.

What role do ocean currents play in climate?

Ocean currents help regulate climate by transporting warm and cold water across the globe, influencing temperatures and precipitation patterns.

How do forested areas affect local climates?

Forested areas typically lead to cooler, wetter climates due to moisture retention and lower albedo compared to non-forested areas.

How does the global distribution of insolation affect temperature?

It affects the amount of sunlight is received at different latitudes and influences local and regional temperatures.