Coral Reefs
What is mutualism?
A relationship between two different species where both species benefit.
Define weather.
The short-term changes in temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind speed, and cloud cover over hours or days.
What is a biome?
A large geographical area characterized by specific climate conditions and distinct plant and animal communities.
What causes global air circulation?
The uneven heating of Earth's surface by the sun, along with Earth's rotation.
What is unsustainable agriculture?
Farming practices that degrade the environment and cannot be maintained over the long term without depleting resources.
Name a major threat to coral reefs.
Climate change, excess soil runoff, and acidification.
What is climate?
The long-term pattern of atmospheric conditions over many years, typically averaged over at least three decades.
Describe the rain shadow effect.
A phenomenon where moist air loses moisture on the windward side of mountains, creating dry conditions on the leeward side.
Name one impact of Earth's rotation.
It causes the Coriolis effect, influencing wind patterns and ocean currents.
Name a consequence of deforestation.
Loss of habitat for species, increased carbon emissions, and disruption of water cycles.
What do coral reefs need for photosynthesis?
Coral reefs need sunlight, which is used by the algae for photosynthesis.
Name two factors that influence climate.
Ocean currents and solar energy.
What major ecosystems are affected by climate?
All of them.
How do solar energy and greenhouse gases interact?
Solar energy warms the Earth, and greenhouse gases trap some of this heat in the atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect.
What happens to glaciers due to atmospheric warming?
Glaciers melt at an accelerated rate, contributing to rising sea levels.
How do excess soil runoff affect algae?
It blocks sunlight needed for photosynthesis, harming the algae.
How do ocean currents affect climate?
They distribute heat and precipitation unevenly across the planet, influencing regional climates.
Explain the edge effect.
The increased biodiversity found in the transition zone between two ecosystems or biomes.
Describe the role of Hadley cells.
They are large-scale circulation patterns that move air, heat, and moisture vertically and horizontally, affecting climate zones.
How do cities create microclimates?
Urban materials like concrete absorb heat, and structures block wind flow, creating localized climate variations.
What role do polyps play in coral reefs?
Polyps are tiny organisms that form the structure of coral reefs and provide habitat and protection for algae
What is the Coriolis effect?
The deflection of moving objects (like winds) due to Earth's rotation, causing winds to curve.
How do human activities affect ecosystems?
Through unsustainable practices like deforestation, pollution, and climate change, which disrupt natural habitats and biodiversity.
What are the properties of air, water, and land that affect climate?
Their density, specific heat, and interaction with sunlight influence temperature and moisture distribution.
How much of Earth’s land surface is mountainous?
About one-fourth of Earth's land surface is mountainous.