Chapter 3 - The Biosphere Flashcards
Why do similar plant growth forms appear in similar biomes on different continents?
Convergent Evolution
Organization of Ecology
Organism -> Population -> Community -> Ecosystem -> Landscape -> Biosphere
Biomes
Large-scale ecological communities shaped by the physical environment and typically classified by the growth form of the dominant plants
Convergent Phenotypes
Similar shapes, forms, and physiological processes adapted to similar conditions
Which biome in Africa has been least affected by human activity?
Desert
Which biome in South America and India has been most degraded by human activity?
Tropical Seasonal Forest
Tropical Rainforests
Biodiversity hotspots, more than 50% of Earth’s biomass, 50% of Earth’s species, High Precipitation - Peak October, Constant High Temperatures
Tropical Dry Forests and Savannas
Tropical woodlands and grasslands, limited seasonal moisture, grazing, fires, insufficient precipitation for growth in summer
Temperate Grasslands
Very productive biome, natural grasses, most anthropogenically transformed biome (agriculture), subfreezing winter months
Deserts
Little and unpredictable rainfall, low productivity, low species diversity, drought and frost tolerant, Big temperature flux
Temperate Shrublands and Woodlands
Mediterranean-type climates, mild/wet winters, hot/dry summers, wildfires, Chaparral deep-rooted adapted for dedication, low rain in summer
Temperate Deciduous Forests
Moderate temperatures and precipitation, deciduous and evergreen trees, soil rich in organic matter
Temperature Evergreen Forests
Temperate rainforests and pine barrens, conifers, nutrient-poor and acidic soils, no leaves
Deciduous Trees
Leaf regrowth, State of no photosynthesis, biogeochemical cycling, free of leave baggage
Evergreen Trees
Freeze tolerant, susceptible to herbivory, continuous water loss, less energy expansive, evapotranspiration
