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AP Biology: Intro to Ecology and Bioshpere Chapter 52 Flashcards

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7629513258EcologyScientific study of the interactions between organisms and the environment. These interactions determine the distribution of organisms and their abundance.0
7629513259Global EcologyThis examines the influence of energy and materials on organisms across the biosphere, which is the global ecosystem, the sum of all the planet's ecosystem.1
7629513260Landscape EcologyA landscape (or seascape) is a mosaic of connected ecosystems. Landscape Ecology focusses on the exchanges of energy, materials, and organisms across multiple ecosystems.2
7629513261Ecosystem EcologyAn ecosystem is the community of organisms in an area and the physical factors with which they interact. Ecosystem Ecology emphasizes energy flow and chemical cycling among the various biotic and abiotic components.3
7629513262Community EcologyA community is a group of populations of different species in an area. Community Ecology examines the effect of interspecific interactions on community structure and organization.4
7629513263Population EcologyA population is a group of individuals of the same species living in an area. Populations ecology focuses on factors affecting population size over time.5
7629513264Organismal EcologyStudies how an organism's structure, physiology, and (for animals) behavior meet environmental challenges. Includes physiological, evolutionary, and behavioral ecology.6
7629513265ClimateLong term weather conditions in a given area. One of the biggest factors that determines where organisms live. Each climate will contain many microclimates, such as a community of organisms underneath a fallen log. Climate is largely determined by the amount of solar energy an area receives.7
7629513266BiomesMajor life zones characterized by vegetation type (terrestrial biomes) or physical environment (aquatic biomes). Climate is very important in determining why terrestrial biomes are found in certain areas. (Concept 52.2: The structure and distribution of terrestrial biomes are controlled by climate and disturbance.)8
7629513267ClimographPlots the annual mean temperature and precipitation in a region. (Concept 52.2: The structure and distribution of terrestrial biomes are controlled by climate and disturbance.)9
7629513268EcotoneArea of intergradation between terrestrial biomes, it can be wide or narrow. (Concept 52.2: The structure and distribution of terrestrial biomes are controlled by climate and disturbance.)10
7629513269Vertical LayeringLayers of a biome, such as an upper canopy, low-tree layer, shrub understory, ground layer of herbaceous plants, forest floor, and root layer in a forest. (Concept 52.2: The structure and distribution of terrestrial biomes are controlled by climate and disturbance.)11
7629513270DisturbanceEvent such as a storm, fire, or human activity that changes a community. (Concept 52.2: The structure and distribution of terrestrial biomes are controlled by climate and disturbance.)12
7629513271See Climograph Definition for Biome ChartSee Climograph Definition for Biome Chart13
7629513272Aquatic BiomesThey show less latitudinal variation than terrestrial biomes. Marine biomes have salt concentrations of about 3%. Freshwater biomes have salt concentrations of less than 0.1%, and are closely linked to soils and biotic components. The largest marine biome is made up of oceans which cover about 75% of Earth's surface and have an enormous impact on the biosphere. (Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)14
7629513273Photic ZoneHas sufficient light for photosynthesis. (upper level) Both the photic and aphotic zones together make up the pelagic zone. (Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)15
7629513274Aphotic ZoneReceives little light. (lower level) Both the photic and aphotic zones together make up the pelagic zone. Deep in this zone lies the abyssal zone. (Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)16
7629513275Benthic ZoneOrganic and inorganic sediment at the bottom of all aquatic zones. Invertebrates live here. Communities of organisms that live in this zone are called the Benthos. Dead organic matter known as Detritus, falls from the surface water and is an important source of food.(Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)17
7629513276ThermoclineTemperature boundary that separates the warm upper layer from the cold deeper water. Many lakes go through a semiannual mixing of their water called Turnover. This mixes oxygenated water from the surface with the nutrient-rich water from the bottom. (Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)18
7629513277Oligotrophic LakesNutrient-poor and generally oxygen-rich. Rooted and floating aquatic plants live in the shallow and well-lighted Littoral Zone close to shore. Water in the Limnetic Zone is too deep to support such plants, so small drifting animals called zooplankton graze on phytoplankton. STUDY TIP: Think Oligotrophic starts in O, and so does Oxygen. Oligotrophic = Oxygen-rich(Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)19
7629513278Eutrophic LakesNutrient-rich and often depleted in oxygen in deep zones or throughout the lake if covered in ice in winter. (Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)20
7629513279WetlandHabitat that is inundated by water at least some of the time and that supports plants adapted to water-saturated soil. Have high organic production and decomposition and have low dissolved oxygen. Among the most productive biomes on Earth, but humans have destroyed up to 90% of wetlands; wetlands purify water and reduce flooding. (Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)21
7629513280Streams and RiversMost prominent physical characteristic is current: Headwaters are generally cold, clear, turbulent, swift, and oxygen-rich; often narrow and rocky. May be rich in phytoplankton or rooted aquatic plants. Downstream waters form rivers and are generally warmer, more turbid, and well oxygenated; they are often wide, meandering, and have silty bottoms. (Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)22
7629513281EstuaryTransition between river and sea. Salinity varies with the rise and fall of tides, but they are nutrient-rich and highly productive. (Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)23
7629513282Intertidal ZonePeriodically submerged and exposed by the tides. Oxygen and nutrient levels are high. Animals include sponges, sea anemones, echinoderms, and small fishes. (Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)24
7629513283Oceanic Pelagic ZoneConstantly mixed by wind driven oceanic currents. Oxygen levels are high. This biome covers approximately 70% of Earth's surface. Phytoplankton and zooplankton are the dominant organisms in this biome; also found are free-swimming animals. (Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)25
7629513284Coral ReefsFormed from calcium carbonate skeletons of corals. Shallowing reef-building corals live in photic zone in warm, clear water; deep-sea corals live at depths of 200-1,500 m. Require high oxygen concentrations. (Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)26
7629513285Marine Benthic ZoneSeafloor below surface waters of the coastal, or neritic, zone and the offshore pelagic zone. Organisms in the very deep benthic zone are adapted to continuous cold and extremely high water pressure. (Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)27
7629513286Deep-Sea Hydrothermal VentsOf volcanic origin on mid-ocean ridges, they are surrounded by unique chemoautotrophic prokaryotes, (makes own food). (Concept 52.3: Aquatic biomes are diverse and dynamic systems that cover most of Earth.)28
7629513287Ecological TimeMinute-to-minute time frame of interactions between organisms and the environment. Events in this can lead to evolution. (Concept 52.4: Interactions between organisms and the environment limit the distribution of species.)29
7629513288Evolutionary TimeSpans many generations and captures adaptation through natural selection. (Concept 52.4: Interactions between organisms and the environment limit the distribution of species.)30
7629513289DispersalMovement of individuals or gametes away from centers of high population density or from their area of origin. This contributes to the global distribution of organisms. (Concept 52.4: Interactions between organisms and the environment limit the distribution of species.)31
7629513290Species TransplantsOrganisms that are intentionally or accidentally relocated from their original distribution. If a transplant is successful, then the potential range of the species is larger than it's actual range. (Concept 52.4: Interactions between organisms and the environment limit the distribution of species.)32
7629513291What are the five biotic factors that affect distribution?Predation, Herbivory, Competition, Mutualism, and Parasitism. (Concept 52.4: Interactions between organisms and the environment limit the distribution of species.)33
7629513292What are the six abiotic factors that affect distribution?Temperature, Water, Oxygen, Salinity, Sunlight, and Soil. Oxygen diffuses slowly in water, so water affects the oxygen factor. (Concept 52.4: Interactions between organisms and the environment limit the distribution of species.)34

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