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Ch. 52 An Intro to Ecology & the Biosphere
Ch. 52 of Campbell & Reece's textbook "Biology" (Pearson)
40
Biology
Undergraduate 1
04/26/2011

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Term
define Ecology
Definition
scientific study of interactions b/w organisms and environment
Term
hierarchy of ecology
Definition
organismal - organisms & their environ.
population - populations & their environ.
community - biotic interactions b/w species
ecosystem - energy flow & chemical cycling
landscape - interactions among ecosystems
global = biosphere

[only people can eat lasagna great]
Term
difference b/w abiotic & biotic factors of environment
Definition
Abiotic = nonliving ex: physical, chemical, geological
Biotic = living i.e. biolog. interactions b/w organisms ex: prey, competition, predators.
Term
what determines distribution & abundance of organisms
Definition
interaction b/w abiotic & biotic factors
Term
define Dispersal
Definition
mvmt of individuals away from their area of origin or area of high population density.
Term
factors that affect species distribution and why each is a limiting factor. Recall figure 52.6
Definition
1. dispersal: area is inaccessible
2. behavior: habitat selection
3. biotic factors: predation, parasitism, disease
4. abiotic factors: chemical/physical
Term
what is the most important factor in determining species distribution
Definition
climate. (long-term prevailing weather conditions in a particular area)
Term
what are the main components of climate?
Definition
temperature, precipitation, sunlight, wind
Term
main diff. b/w macroclimate & microclimate
Definition
macro = global, regional, local
micro = very fine patterns (ex: fallen logs)
Term
what is global climate determined by?
Definition

sun-incidence of solar radiation;

i.e. the input of solar energy and the planet's mvmt in space

Term
why is it colder at the north & south poles?
Definition
sunlight is hitting at a low angle so there is less solar radiation
Term
why is it warmer at the equator?
Definition
sun is directly overhead
Term
explain why the northern & southern hemispheres have different seasons
Definition
the earth's 23.5-degree tilt.
Term
what can affect the local climate?
Definition
bodies o/ water, mountains, & changing angle of the sun throughout the day.
Term
what can affect microclimate?
Definition
shade, evaporation, changing wind pattern
Term
define Biome
Definition
major terrestrial or aquatic life zones
Term
define Biome
Definition
major terrestrial or aquatic life zones
Term
what is the difference between a photic and aphotic zone?
Definition
photic = light penetration
aphotic = no light penetration
*because aquatic biomes are stratified
Term
what is the difference b/w littoral & limnetic
Definition
littoral = close to shore
limnetic = further from shore
Term
what is the diff. b/w intertidal, neritic, & oceanic
Definition
intertidal- closest to shore...
oceanic = furthest
Term
diff. b/w Pelagic & Benthic
Definition
varying degress of openness; pelagic=most open
Term
what is abyssal and what biome is it specific to?
Definition
abyssal (marine) - deepest portion of benthic
Term
define Lake
Definition
standing body of water
Term
define Wetland
Definition
inundated by water periodically; support plants adapted to water-saturated soil; one of the most productive biomes
Term
what is a Stream & river
Definition
Term
define Estuary
Definition
transition area b/w river & sea
Term
what is intertidal's zone exposure to water?
Definition
periodically submerged & exposed by the tides
Term
what zone is responsible for covering 70& of the Earth's surface?
Definition
oceanic pelagic
Term
what are the places in the ocean that have the highest species diversity?
Definition
coral Reefs
Term
what are coral reefs made of?
Definition
formed from Calcium Carbonate skeletons of corals
Term
what types of life live in the marine benthic zone & how are they supported
Definition
deep-sea hydrothermal vents support the chemoautotrophs.
Term
what are terrestrial biomes characterized by?
Definition
vegetation type, temperature, and precipitation
Term
define Tropical Forest
Definition
Equatorial/sub-equatorial; high precipitation (>200 cm/yr); high temp (25-29C) year-round; high biodiversity.
Term
define Desert
Definition
bands near 30-degN/S latitude; low precipitation (<30cm/yr); temperature variable (30-50C)
Term
define Savanna
Definition
equatorial/sub-equator region; seasonal rainfall(30-50cm/yr), warm year-round (24-29C).
Term
define Chaparral
Definition
midlatitude coastal regions; seasonal precipitation; hot summer; cool rest of year. Spain/Chile=matorral, France=maquis, S.Africa=fymbos
Term
define Temperate Grassland
Definition
temperate regions; hot summer, cold winter, seasonal precipitation. S.Africa=veldts, Argentina=pampas, Russia=steppes
Term
define N.Coniferous Forest
Definition
northern N.America & Eurasia; largest terrestrial biomes; long & cold winter conifers
Term
define Temperate Broadleaf Forest
Definition
midlatitudes in N.Hemisphere, New Zealand, Australia; precipitation; deciduous trees
Term
define Tundra
Definition
expansive areas of the Arctic; 20% of Earth's land surface; long cold winter, short chilly summer
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