BIOL1A - terrestrial environment Flashcards
Chronologically, how did the Earth’s atmosphere form?
He and H; Earth’s crust formed, volcanic activity continued creating H2O vapor and CO2; CO2 dissolved in oceans, precipitated as carbonate; Archaea and cyanobacteria fixed CO2 to produce O2.
What are the 5 layers of Earth’s atmosphere?
EXOsphere, THERMOsphere, MESOsphere, STRATOsphere, TROPOsphere.
What is the Earth’s atmosphere composed of?
Nitrogen (78%), Oxygen (21%), Argon (1%), Carbon Dioxide (0.04%), Water vapor, Trace elements.
What is Earth’s atmosphere important for life?
protects against UV radiation; thermoregulation; maintains conditions conducive for living.
Why does the tilt of the Earth affect seasons/storms?
Different parts of the Earth are exposed to heat from the Sun. This creates areas where seasons are form.
Define diurnal.
of having light and dark times of the day.
What are the 2 main factors that affect global climate?
Geographic variation in: Average Conditions and Seasonality.
What is the correlation between the Earth’s shape and heat exposure?
There is a large amount of Sun exposure at the equator, and sunlight dimishes when approaching poles.
Starting from the equator, name all 3 air circulation cells.
Hadley, Ferrel, Polar.
At what latitudes do each air circulation cell lie between?
The equator (0), 30, 60.
What are biomes?
Biomes are distinct areas with communities of plants and animals. Each biome is determined by what plants are present.
Describe Tropical Wet Forest temperature and precipitation throughout the year.
constant high temperature; variably high precipitation.
Describe Artic Tundra temperature and precipitation throughout the year.
variably low temperature; constant low precipitation.
What are the physical features of terrestrial environment?
Landmass is 25% of Earth, wide range of temperature extremes, lack of water on land and air, more oxygen available in air, more available sunlight.
Name 3 adaptations to live on land.
Gas exchange, water conservation and excretion, locomotion.
