Biosphere
Climate
Terrestrial Ecosystems
Aquatic Ecosystems
Misc.
100
Why is a biosphere considered to be "patchy"
It is not spread out uniformly throughout the planet.
100
Why is the heating of the earth's surface uneven? Which area(a) is/are the warmest? Which area(s) is/are the coldest?
The earth is spherical so different locations receive different amounts of light. Near the equator, the sun's rays strike more directly. At other parts the Earth's surface is at more curved making the same amount of solar energy spread out.
100
What is a biome?
The major types of terrestrial ecosystems that cover large regions of the Earth
100
Name 3 of the 6 aquatic ecosystems discussed in class
Ponds & lakes Streams & rivers Estuaries Ocean Zones Coral Reefs Deep Sea Vents
100
What is permafrost? Where does it happen and how does it affect biotic factors in this area?
Permanently frozen subsoil found in the tundra. Large plants cannot grow because their roots cannot penetrate frozen soil not obtain nutrients from it.
200
What is the difference between biotic & abiotic factors?
Biotic is all living things in an ecosystem Abiotic is all non living factors
200
What is a current? How to they effect climates?
A current is a river like flow pattern within a body of water. Warm currents make areas warmer, cool currents make them cooler.
200
What is the main characteristic of deciduous forests?
They loose their leaves each year
200
What is the difference between the photic zone and the aphotic zone
Photic- photosynthesis Aphotic- no photosynthesis
200
Define habitat. Give an example of an organism and its habitat.
Specific environment in which an organism lives. Ex: Zebra's habitat is a savanna
300
Name 4 of the 6 abiotic factors
Sunlight Water Temperature Soil Wind Sever Disturbances
300
What is the difference between a local climate and a microclimate?
Local climate- is the climate locally. Can be different from a climate a few miles away. Microclimate- the climate in a specific area that varies from the surrounding climate (small scale differences). Ex: Shade
300
Compare and contrast Grasslands, Savannas, & Chaparral
Savanna- tropical regions in Africa, Australia, & S America. Grasslands with scattered trees. Grow rapidly supplying many animals with food. Chaparral- coastal biome dominated by dense evergreen shrubs. Mild rainy winters & hot dry summers. Periodic fires. Grasslands- characterized by nutrient rich soil. Winters are cooler than savannas. Seasonal drought, fires
300
Describe either a coral reef, deep ocean vent, or an estuary
Estuary- nursery grounds. Brackish water, nutrient rich soil Reef- biologically diverse, formed by coral polyps that harden over time. Coral, sponges, algae, fish, turtles Deep-sea vent- 1.5 miles deep, extremely hot, no light, chemosynthesis
300
In a lake or ocean, where would you be most likely to find phytoplankton?
In the photic zone
400
Pick 2 of the 6 abiotic factors and discuss how they effect the ecosystem. What are some adaptations animals need to live in these areas?
Sunlight- photosynthesis, trees Water- dry or wet, hold water Temp- hold water, dont freeze- freeze easily Soil- nutrient rich or poor Wind- currents, disperse seeds Severe Disturbances
400
Why does it rain more around the equator than anywhere else?
When air is warmed it can absorb more moisture, and it tends to rise. Air by the equator is heated directly by the rays of the sun and absorb more moisture and rises. When it rises, the atmosphere around it is cool and the air cools again forming clouds that produce rainfall.
400
Give an example of how a desert organism has adapted to live in that harsh environment.
Hold in water, less evaporation, nocturnal, shade
400
Define: Intertidal zone Neritic Zone Oceanic Zone
Intertidal- between high and low tides- exposed to temp & wind Neritic- ocean from low tide out to edge of continental shelf Oceanic- all open ocean. Includes pelagic, photic, aphotic
400
ID 3 biotic and abiotic factors in the classroom
Biotic: fish, bugs, people, bacteria Abiotic: temperature, water, light, air quality
500
Ecologists study the relationships among biotic & abiotic factors at five increasingly broad levels. What are they in order and what is the definition of each?
Individual Organism- the smallest ecological unit. Only one Population- group of individual organisms of the same species Communities- Collection of populations living in a particular habitat Ecosystem- includes biotic & abiotic factors in ecosystem Biosphere- broadest level of study. The sum of all Earth's ecosystems.
500
Draw a picture of the earth indicating where the arctic circle, tropic of cancer, equator, tropic of capricorn, and antarctic circle are
500
Name and describe all 8 biomes mentioned in class
Tropical Forest Savanna Desert Chaparral Temperate Grassland Temperate deciduous forest Coniferous forest Tundra
500
What are the zones of the ocean starting from the shoreline outward?
Intertidal zone, neritic zone, oceanic zone, (pelagic zone- photic & aphotic zone)
500
What accounts for the great diversity of organisms in tropical rain forests?
rain and warmth
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