Climate & the Physical Environment Flashcards
Who were Alfred Russell Wallace and Charles Darwin?
Peers in science passionate about the natural world
What did Wallace focus on in his research?
Asked ‘what?’ and ‘where?’ (=natural history)
What was Darwin’s approach to understanding species?
Asked ‘How many?’ ‘How much?’ and ‘Why?’ leading to the Theory of Natural Selection
What is natural selection considered to be by scientists?
A key explanation for species adaptation to different physical factors
What are the 10 environmental factors affecting vegetation zones?
- Solar radiation
- Seasonal variations
- Temperature varies with altitude
- Air circulation
- Water circulation
- Humidity
- Precipitation
- Topography
- Regional climates
- Microclimates
What percentage of incoming solar radiation reaches the earth’s surface?
51%
What is the significance of PAR (photosynthetically active radiation)?
Most significant wavelengths for plant photosynthesis, between 400 and 740 nm
What does the Leaf Area Index (LAI) measure?
Vertical distribution of light, plant health, and competitiveness
What are poikilotherms?
Reptiles, fish, amphibians, and invertebrates that maintain body temperature using external heat sources
How do homeotherms maintain their body temperature?
Through oxidative metabolic production of heat
What is the effect of altitude on air temperature?
Air temperature decreases with increased altitude up to 11 km (36,000 ft)
What does the Coriolis Effect influence?
Global wind patterns
What phenomenon occurs during hurricane season?
Heat builds up, forming a low pressure area that draws wind into a spiral
What is the role of seaweeds in wave action?
Adapted to thrive on wave action without breaking
Define relative humidity.
% of the saturation point
What creates a rain shadow effect?
Air masses ascending mountains cool and become saturated with water vapor
What is a microclimate?
The climate experienced by an organism that may differ from the regional climate
What are the important properties of water?
- Surface tension
- Buoyancy
What is soil defined as?
Natural product formed and synthesized from weathering of rocks by living organisms
What is the significance of soil texture?
Determines the ecology based on percentages of clay, silt, and sand
What is the annual loss of soil in the U.S.?
5 billion tons
What is the concept of agroecology related to?
Soils as the basis for agricultural sustainability
Fill in the blank: The greatest diversity/biomass of organisms occurs when temperature and _______ combine.
moisture
True or False: Organisms may save energy through hibernation.
True
