BIOMES L27 Flashcards
I. Earth's Climate - CC micro, microclimate - SEQ, HD climate change II. Terrestrial biomes - CC features III. Aquatic biomes - CC features - CC aquatic biomes
1
Q
climate
A
- long term prevailing weather conditions in an area
- most important influence on species distribution
2
Q
macroclimate
A
- global climate patterns
- driven by solar E and movement of Earth in space – temp, wind
3
Q
solar E
A
- varies by latitude
- tropics: direct sunlight, most heat, light, E
- higher latitudes: less E, cooler
4
Q
global air circulation
A
- starts near equator
- air heated
- rises, flows towards poles
- cools, releases water
- lots of rain in tropics
5
Q
water
A
- ocean currents influence climate along coasts
- heat or cool air – passes across land
- high specific heat – can moderate temp of nearby land
6
Q
mountains
A
- influence air flow – precipitation – biodiversity
- mountain direction affects sunlight – temp, rainfall
7
Q
microclimate
A
- can be influenced by features of local environment
- ex. tree, rotting log, rock
8
Q
global climate change
A
- large scale changes in climate
- affects biosphere
- due to increasing CO2 and other gases
- result of burning fossil fuels, deforestation
9
Q
effects of climate change
A
- changes to biomes, ocean currents, geographic ranges
10
Q
biome
A
- major life zone characterized by vegetation (terrestrial) or physical environment (aquatic)
11
Q
climograph
A
- plot of annual mean temp and precipitation in a region
- method of correlating climate and biomes
12
Q
ecotone
A
- area of intergradation between adjacent biomes
- transition area
13
Q
vertical layering of vegetation
A
- provides diverse habitats – supports different animals
- ex. forests
14
Q
freshwater aquatic biome
A
- <0.1% salt
- closely linked to surrounding terrestrial biome
- influenced by patterns and speed of water flow
15
Q
saltwater marine biome
A
- average 3% salt
- mostly oceans
