Biosphere Flashcards
Can living elements of our planet exist without abiotic components?
No, ecosystems are composed of biotic and abiotic components, such as plants and animals
What are some other characteristics of ecosystems? (3)
They overlap, interact and are always in motion
What are the 4 categories of ecosystem services?
Provisioning, regulation, cultural, supporting
What is provisioning?
“Products” obtained from ecosystems, ex.: food, fiber, medicines
What is regulation?
Benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes
What is the cultural service?
Nonmaterial benefits obtained from ecosystems, ex.: educational, spiritual, recreational
What is the supporting service?
Necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services, ex.: biodiversity, nutrient recycling, primary productivity
What abiotic factors influence vegetation type?
Precipitation, closeness to the oceans –> can effect the ‘écarts de temperature’
What is biodiversity? (4)
- Diversity of life –> diversity of the spaces
- Richest biodiverse biome: jungle
- Coral reef –> most biodiverse in the whole planet –> sun = heat
- Boreal forests
Why is biodiversity so important? (2)
- Food stuff
- Balanced ecosystem
Why are tropical biomes so rich?
Because of the heat and tropical rains
How do we reduce biodiversity? (5)
- monocropping –> fertilizer, pesticide
- eucalyptus –> swallows so much water
- forest fires = no more nutriance coming
- lawn mowing
- Extinction Rebellion
What is the crucial role of pollinators?
To give us fruits/veggies
What is the percentage of Canada’s fresh water?
20%
What are the 2 means of transportation respectively created by the Inuit People and the First Nations?
- Inuit People : kayak (north)
- First Nations : canoe
