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Ecology: Biosphere Flashcards

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15016301708Biosphere-all living organisms on Earth & environments in which they live -sandwiched between lithosphere & troposphere0
15016307994Lithosphere-below surface; Earth's surface crust & upper mantle1
15016318864Troposphere-lowest layer of atmosphere2
15016322569Biomes-large-scaled biological communities shaped by physical environment -reflect climate variation & characterized by plant growth forms3
15016335536Why are Biomes based on Plant Morphology?-plants immobile -good indicators of physical environment (climate zones & rates of disturbance) --> strong variation in plant form based on these factors -large & visible -long living4
15016358956What are the 9 Biomes?-Tropical Rainforest -Tropical Seasonal Forest & Savanna -Desert -Temperate Grassland -Temperate shrubland & woodland -Temperate Deciduous Forest -Temperate Evergreen Forest -Boreal Forest -Tundra5
15016380220Plant Form: Deciduous Trees-*Environment*: moist, seasonally warm/cool or cool/cold, fertile soils -*Seasonal*: warm, seasonally wet/dry -*Adaptation*: drop leaves during cold/dry period --> kind of wasteful, so only do this b/c they're in fertile soil -when they drop leaf tissue don't have to maintain it, but will eventually need to rebuild it so will need to be in fertile soil6
15016409625Plant Form: Needle-Leaved Evergreen Trees-*Environment*: moist -*Seasonal*: warm/cool or cool/cold; infertile soil -*Adaptation*: retain photosynthetic tissues (leaves) year-round --> don't live in nutrient rich soil so can't waste leaves7
15016426633Plant Form: Grasses/Sedges-*Environment*: moist -*Seasonal*: warm/cool w/ fire -*Adaptation*: grow from base of their leaves --> when fire sweeps through doesn't destroy plant from underground, so grass can grow back up8
15016448568Plant Form: Cacti & Shrubs, Succulents-*Environment*: dry -*Seasonal*: hot/cool -*Adaptation*: stems & leaves contain water storage tissue --> retain water in dry environments9
15016463911Plant Forms: Sclerophyllous Shrubs-*Seasonal*: dry/moist & warm/cool --> dry periods coincide w/ warm summer periods -*Adaptation*: tough, leathery leaves: can photosynthesize in hot & dry conditions w/o wilting10
15016485312Plant Form: Forbs-*Seasonal*: cool/cold; Ex: Canada -*Adaptation*: broad-leaved herbaceous (non-woody) plants, so do better in cooler environments11
15016502121Plant Form: Evergreen Broad-Leaved Trees-*Seasonal*: wet, warm year-round -*Adaptation*: photosynthesis year round --> have to be in environment where have good conditions for photosynthesis all the time12
15016527432What are the major determinants of biomes?-variation in temperature -variation in precipitation13
15016534529Biomes & Temperature-*High Temps*: tropical biomes -*Intermediate Temps*: temperate forests -*Low Temps*: tundra & boreal forests14
15016545386Biomes & Precipitation-*High Precipitation*: rainforests -*Intermediate Precipitation*: tropical seasonal forests -*Low Precipitation*: deserts/tundra15
15016559885What are the minor determinants of biomes?-soil texture/chemistry -proximity to mountains -proximity to water bodies16
15016572818Wet conditions along equator/region of uplift-tropical rainforest -hottest & wettest17
15016575737Wet Summer/Dry Winter regions-tropical seasonal forests18
15016580531Dry Regions of Subsidence-deserts19
15016583616Dry Summer/Wet Winter-temperate scrublands & woodlands (Mediterranean)20
15016594231Wet Zone 60 N/S-boreal forest21
15016596829Dry Zone @ poles-Tundra22
15016603134Where are Tropical Rainforests Located?Between 10 N & S23
15016611013Tropical Rainforest Climate->> 200 mm precipitation -evenly throughout year or in 1-2 main peaks -warm, seasonally invariant temperatures24
15016620912Tropical Rainforest Characteristics-most productive ecosystem on Earth -50% of Earth's species -37% of terrestrial carbon -11% of vegetative cover -broad-leaved evergreen & deciduous trees25
15016639126What are the 5 layers of plants in Tropical Rainforests?-Emergent Layer -Canopy -Lianas & Epiphytes -Understory -Shrubs & Forbs26
15016646364Emergent Layer-trees rising above majority of rest27
15016648489Canopy-leaves of evergreen trees, majority of forest28
15016658463Lianas & Epiphytes-woody vines & plants that grow on other plants -hang off canopy layer29
15016665043Understory-grow in shade of canopy30
15016668871Shrubs & forbs-broad-leaved herbaceous plants31
15016682108Where are Tropical Seasonal Forests & Savannas Located?-23.5 N & S32
15016686409Climate of Tropical Seasonal Forests & Savannas-seasonal rainfall: wet summer, dry winter -shifting ITCZ33
15016696026Characteristics of Tropical Seasonal Forests/Savannas-lower tree densities -shorter trees -more drought deciduousness -more grasses/shrubs34
15016710625What are the 3 Vegetation Complexes in Tropical Seasonal Forests/Savannas?-Tropical Dry Forest -Thorn Woodland -Tropical Savannah35
15016715518Tropical Dry Forest-shortest dry season -dominated by broadleaf deciduous trees -leaves drop in dry season36
15016724776Thorn Woodland-intermediate length of dry season -widely spaced trees & shrubs -thorns on trees protect from herbivores37
15016734980Tropical Savannah-longest dry season -frequent fires -grasses intermixed w/ trees & shrubs -herbivore grazing & flooding --> may not be true of all savannahs38
15016749161Where are Deserts located?-30 N & S : subsidence from Hadley Cell39
15016753429Climate of Deserts-very low precipitation -periods of high temperature -sparse population of plants & animals but can still have high species diversity40
15016768362Types of plants in desert-succulents --> store water in stems -drought deciduous shrubs & grasses --> drop leaves -short-lived annuals --> get reproduction out of way before it gets super hot `41
15016778390Where are Temperate Grasslands Located?-30 - 50 N & S42
15016784288Climate of Temperate Grasslands-seasonal precipitation: wet summer/dry winter --> rain comes at good time for growth -greater seasonal temperature variation; periods of sub-freezing temps -fires & grazing prevent forest encroachment43
15016798039Characteristics of Temperate Grasslands-most human-influenced biome on Earth --> fertile & good for growth of corn/wheat -dominated by grasses -ex: Midwestern Prairies basically don't exist b/c o human intervention44
15016821052Where are Temperate Shrubs & Woodlands located?-30 - 40 N & S45
15016823745Climate of Temperate Shrubs & Woodlands-seasonal precipitation: dry summers, wet winters --> rain during winter so not great for growth -Mediterranean like climate --> WINE (California & Europe)46
15016838999Characteristics of Temperate Shrubs & Woodlands-fires common & may promote persistence -associated w/ rain shadow: wet, moist air goes up over mountain, loses its rain, comes down on other side resulting in drier areas -evergreen shrubs & trees -Sclerophyllous Shrubs47
15016858816Grassland-rain coincides w/ growing season48
15016860956Shrubland-rain doesn't coincide w/ growing season49
15016864489Where are Temperate Deciduous Forests?-30 - 50 N -where we live -not in Southern Hemisphere --> lack landmass at appropriate latitudes50
15016876871Temperate Deciduous Forest Climate-high rainfall -seasonal temperature variation -extended periods of freezing (Canada)51
15016887161Temperate Deciduous Forest Characteristics-fertile soils --> can shed leaves -deciduous trees: oak, maple, beech -canopy trees, shorter trees, shrubs & forbs52
15016902712Where are Temperate Evergreen Forests?Between 30-50 N & S53
15016905934Climate of Temperate Evergreen Forests-wide range of temperatures: warm coastal zones & cool continental/maritime climates -wide range of precipitation: 500 - 4000 mm; some are "temperate rainforests" --> Pacific Coast of US54
15016923737Characteristics of Temperate Evergreen Forests-nutrient poor soil --> can't shed leaves, acidic nature of leaves -some maintained by fire -*Northern Hemisphere*: needle-leaved conifers -*Southern Hemisphere*: more diverse (beech, eucalyptus, cedar, podocarps) -less diverse than tropical or temperate deciduous forests b/c nutrient poor soil55
15016945011Where are Boreal forests located?-Above 50 N -border between wet & dry regions56
15016954338Characteristics of Boreal Forests (Taiga)-continuous subfreezing temperatures --> up to 6 months of year, soils regularly freeze -permafrost -low precipitation -low water drainage --> moist to saturated soils ; not a lot of rain, but also have low water drainage meaning soil frozen most of time57
15016971500Permafrost-subsurface soil layer that remains frozen year round for at least 3 years58
15016976008Boreal Forest Characteristics-coniferous species (spruce, pine larch) --> resist damage from winter freezing -deciduous birch forests -only in Northern Hemisphere -largest biome in area -1/3 of Earth's forests59
15016994927Where is the Tundra?-above 65 N -above the tree line --> low growing season temps/other soil & climate conditions60
15016998479Tundra Climate-cold temps -low precipitation --> border on polar desert -permafrost61
15017018271Tundra Characteristics-largest pristine region on Earth -not a lot of "big" vegetation b/c have permafrost & low precipitation --> sedges, forbs, grasses, shrubs, lichens, mosses -*regions w/ permafrost*: wet despite low precipitation--> permafrost prevents percolation -*regions w/o permafrost or w/coarse soil*:dry, polar desert, higher latitudes62
15017054042What is unique about Mountains?-impact temperature & precipitation -slightly like latitude: going up in elevation similar to going up in latitude (N Hemisphere) & down in latitude (S Hemisphere)63
15017065733What are the elevational bands in mountains?-Lower Montaine Zone: like grasslands -Montaine Zone: temperate evergreen & deciduous forest -Subapline Zone: boreal forest -Alpine Zone: like tundra but has higher wind speeds, more intense solar radiation, & lower O2 and CO264
15017086061Factors that determine Freshwater Biological Zones-Velocity -Temperature -Clarity -Chemistry: salinity, oxygen concentration, nutrient status, pH65
15017090077Lotic-flowing water ecosystems -rivers & streams66
15017095126Lentic-still water ecosystems -lakes & ponds67
15017099354Riffles-fast-moving portions of stream flowing over coarse particles (increased O2 input)68
15017105072Pools-deeper portions of stream where water flows more slowly over fine sediment (decreased O2 input)69
15017113849Lotic Systems-streams have orders -smallest streams are highest order (1) -as combine, form more orders -ex: Nile, Mississippi are 6th order or higher70
15017125916What happens as stream order increases?-input of detritus from adjacent vegetation decreases relative to water volume -particle size in bed decreases -aquatic plant growth increases71
15017142876Shredders-organisms that tear & chew leaves -found in lower order streams b/c have coarse terrestrial detritus72
15017151355Collectors-organisms that collect fine particles from water -fine organic matter, algae, macrophytes downstream -higher order streams b/c more water & less detritus73
15017170624Main Channel-middle of stream74
15017172728Benthic Zone-bottom of stream, invertebrates75
15017176299Hyoprheic Zone-substrate below/adjacent to stream; rotifers & copepods insects76
15017185453Oxbow Lake-formed when river ceases to flow through former channel -gets cut off, so stagnates & forms a lake77
15017191832What are most temperate & polar lakes formed by?-glaciers78
15017194066What are the zones in a lake?-Pelagic -Benthic -Photic -Littoral -communities differ based on depth & light79
15017199262Pelagic Zone-open water80
15017202034Benthic Zone (lake)-bottom of lake81
15017204600Photic Zone-surface layer of water where enough light can get to for photosynthesis82
15017212321Littoral Zone-nearshore zone where photic zone reaches lake bottom83
15017217340Phytoplankton-photosynthetic microorganisms suspended in water84
15017219406Zooplankton-tiny animals & non-photosynthetic protists -can grow anywhere85
15017228148Macrophytes-aquatic vascular plants -need some & some space to grow out; settle into bottom & root down86
15017234744Marine Biological zones-71% of Earth's surface -marine organisms widely dispersed -not easily organized into biological units -light availability, water depth, stability of bottom substrate87
15017246275What are the Nearshore Marine Biological zones?-Estuaries -Salt Marshes -Mangrove Forests -Rocky Intertidal Zones -Sandy Shores88
15017252104Estuaries-junction of river w/ ocean -high productivity b/c of variation in salinity; trapped terrestrial sediment; high89
15017259987Salt Marshes-formed by terrestrial sediments carried to shorelines by rivers -vascular plants including grasses, rushes & broad-leaved herbs -high productivity -periodic flooding -highest portions most saline b/c flood less frequently -salt deposited during flood & remains after evaporation90
15017280969Mangrove Forests-shallow coastal estuaries and mudflats in tropical & subtropical regions -salt-tolerant evergreen trees & shrubs together called mangroves91
15017289628Rocky Intertidal Zones-rocky shorelines -stable substrate to which animals and algae anchor -organisms exhibit tolerance to temp change, change in salinity, desiccation, and waves --> tide keeps going up & down , salt levels change -Pacific Coast92
15017307778Intertidal-part of shoreline affected by rise & fall of tides -alternates between marine & terrestrial93
15017314892Sandy Shores-no stable anchoring surface -most life exists beneath sand (class, sea worms, mole crabs) or among grains of sand (polychaete worms, hydroids, copepods) -no starfish or sea anemones like Pacific Coast b/c nothing to attach to94
15017327922What are the Shallow Ocean Zones?-Coral Reefs -Seagrass Beds -Kelp Beds95
15017330725Coral Reefs-corals living in close association w/ algae -corals build skeleton like structure of calcium carbonate -sponges precipitate silica; ultimately results in massive reef structures -taxonomic & morphologic diversity of animals in coral reefs greater than any other ecosystem96
15017347173Seagrass Beds-found on subtotal marine sediments composed of mud or fine sand -flowering plants that reproduce by vegetative growth & seeds -morphoplogically similar to land plants --> roots, stems, leaves, flowers97
15017365611Kelp Beds-found in clear, shallow, temperate ocean waters -large stands of seaweed -specialized tissues resembling leaves (fronts) stems (stiles) and roots (holdfasts) -inhabited by sea urchins, lobsters, mussels, abalones, sea otters98
15017380827What are the Zones in the Open Ocean?-Photic Zone -Below Photic Zone -Benthic Zone99
15017387353How do animals try to remain in Photic Zone of Ocean?-swimming -gas-filled bladders -decreasing density (chemical composition) -shape (projections) -animals want to stay here b/c light reaches so can still perform light processes100
15017396627Below Photic Zone-temperatures drop --> no light -pressures rise --> lots of water -fewer organisms -grazing on fallen detritus (copepods, crustaceans) -predators (fish, crustaceans, cephalopods) -fish w/ weak bone structure -fish lacking gas bladders101
15017411587Benthic Zone (Ocean)-ocean bottom -sparsely populated -near freezing -pressures would crush terrestrial organisms -sediments rich in organic matter --> dead things fall to bottom & stay there -bacteria, protists, sea stars, sea cucumbers -bioluminescence to lure prey -poorly understood102

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