Fundamental Ecological Principles Flashcards
What is an ecotone?
A transition zone with unique species and ecological dynamics
Ecotones are areas where two different biomes meet, leading to distinct ecological characteristics.
What factors shape the characteristics of a biome?
Combination of abiotic factors and specific organisms that shape the characteristics of a biome. A LARGE SCALE ECOSYSTEM.
Abiotic factors include climate and geology that influence the ecosystem.
Define niche in ecology.
The role and interactions of an organism within its ecosystem
Each organism has a unique niche that helps it find resources and interact with other species.
What comprises the hydrosphere?
All the water on Earth
The hydrosphere includes oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
What is the lithosphere?
The solid outer part of the Earth
The lithosphere includes the crust and upper mantle.
What does the biosphere encompass?
The sum of all ecosystems on Earth
The biosphere includes interactions between living organisms and their environments.
What is an ecosystem?
Living organisms and their physical environment with interactions
Ecosystems include communities of organisms and their abiotic factors.
Define population in ecological terms.
A group of individuals of the same species that live in the same area and have the potential to interact and breed
Populations have the potential to interact and breed.
What is a species?
A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring
Species share similar characteristics and genetic makeup.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is formed when populations of different species coexist and interact.
community
Communities consist of various populations living in a specific area.
What is the atmosphere?
The layer of gases surrounding the planet
The atmosphere plays a crucial role in supporting life and regulating climate.
What is Pluto classified as?
Dwarf planet
Pluto was reclassified from being a planet to a dwarf planet due to its characteristics.
Which planets are listed in the order from the sun?
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
This order reflects the distance of the planets from the sun.
What is unique about Earth compared to other planets in the solar system?
It is the only planet known to support life
Earth has a unique set of characteristics and features that allow it to sustain life.
What do you need to understand to fully grasp Earth’s systems?
How the planet functions and its composition
Understanding these aspects is crucial for environmental science.
What is the thickness range of the Earth’s crust?
3 to 6 miles thick
The thickness can vary depending on whether it is continental or oceanic crust.
What layer of the Earth lies below the crust?
Mantle
The mantle makes up approximately 80 percent of Earth’s volume.
What is the thickness range of continental crust?
22 to 44 miles thick
Continental crust is thicker than oceanic crust.
What are the primary components of oceanic crust?
Basalt and magnesium
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust.
What is the primary composition of continental crust?
Granite
Continental crust is rich in the lighter aluminum element.
What is the average density of oceanic crust compared to continental crust?
Denser than continental crust
Oceanic crust (sima) contains heavier elements like iron.
List the four main aeons of the geological time scale.
- Hadean
- Archean
- Proterozoic
- Phanerozoic
These aeons encompass the history of Earth.
What is the approximate age of Earth?
4.6 billion years old
This age reflects the time since the formation of the planet.
What are the divisions of geological time from largest to smallest?
- Aeons
- Eras
- Periods
- Epochs
These divisions help categorize the history of Earth.
True or False: The Precambrian time includes only the Hadean and Archean eras.
False
The Precambrian time includes Hadean, Archean, and Proterozoic eras.
What is the geological time scale?
A system that organizes Earth’s history into aeons, eras, periods, and epochs
It helps scientists understand the timing and relationships of events in Earth’s history.
What is the outermost layer of the Earth called?
Crust
The crust is the surface on which we live.
What is the thickness of the outer core?
1,429 miles
The outer core is molten and composed mainly of iron and nickel.
What is the thickness of the inner core?
746 miles
The inner core is solid due to extreme pressure.
What is the temperature of the Earth’s core?
At least 6,000 °C
This extreme heat contributes to the molten state of the outer core.
What are the main components of the outer core?
Iron and nickel
The outer core is primarily composed of these elements.
What is the composition of the inner core?
Solid iron and nickel
The inner core remains solid due to extreme pressure.
What is the thickness of the Earth’s dense core?
1,802 miles
This core is located at the center of the Earth.
What is the structure called that groups the crust and upper mantle?
Lithosphere
The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth.
What is the layer above the lower mantle called?
Asthenosphere
The asthenosphere is plastic-like and capable of flow.
What is the state of the lower mantle?
Semi-rigid
The lower mantle is less rigid than the lithosphere.
What are the two main components of the mantle?
Upper mantle and lower mantle
These layers are part of the mantle’s overall structure.
Fill in the blank: The outer core is _______.
molten
The outer core is fluid due to its composition and temperature.
True or False: The lithosphere is more rigid than the asthenosphere.
True
The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer while the asthenosphere is plastic-like.
What is the primary composition of the oceanic crust?
Basalt
The oceanic crust is primarily made up of basaltic rock.
What type of rocks mostly constitute the continental crust?
Granite
The continental crust generally consists of granitic rock.
What is the approximate depth of the lithosphere?
Up to 60 km
This depth varies depending on location and geological conditions.
