Enviromental Studies Flashcards
What is ecology
Ecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms and the environment in which the organisms live.
What is a biosphere
All the different types of ecosystems together make up the biosphere. The biosphere is that part of the earth that sustains life - it contains all the living organisms.
Name the three spheres that make up the biosphere
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
Lithosphere
What is the atmosphere made up of
? CO2: carbon dioxide, which is used by plants during photosynthesis to manufacture organic compounds.
? O2: oxygen is required by all living organisms for cellular respiration.
? Nitrogen: essential for the manufacture of proteins.
? Water vapour: an important phase of the water cycle. No living organism can exist without water.
What is the lithosphere
The soil and rocks in the top layer of the earth’s crust make up the lithosphere
Hydrosphere
Biome
A biome is a distinct geographical region with a characteristic climate and vegetation and it includes the animals that are suited to living in that area
Name the SA terrestrial biomes
Savannah Desert Grassland Forest Nama- Karoo Succulent karoo Fynbos
What is endemic
Indigenous
