Global Climates

Question 1

Albedo Effect

Answer 1

The amount of sunlight reflected back to space. Lighter surfaces have higher albedo (reflecting more sunlight) and darker surfaces have lower albedo (absorbing more sunlight).

Question 2

Biome

Answer 2

A collection of ecosystems sharing similar climatic conditions

Question 3

Example of Animal Migration Pattern

Answer 3

Animal: Monarch Butterfly
Fly from eastern NA to Mexico
They travel across several states and eventually reach the oyamel fir forests of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. These forests provide the ideal conditions for the butterflies to rest and survive during the winter months.
In the spring, when temperatures rise, the monarch butterflies begin their northward migration back to their breeding grounds. Along the way, they stop to feed on nectar from flowers, mate, and lay eggs on milkweed plants.

Question 4

Climate change impact on ecosystems

Answer 4

Habitat Loss and Disruption: Changing temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and shifts in vegetation can lead to habitat loss and fragmentation, affecting the distribution and survival of species.
Species Extinction and Decline: Climate change can disrupt the ecological balance and negatively impact vulnerable species, leading to population decline and, in extreme cases, species extinction.
Altered Phenology and Timing: Climate change can disrupt the timing of key ecological events, such as flowering, migration, hibernation, or breeding, leading to mismatches between species’ life cycles and their resource availability.
Range Shifts: As temperatures change, species may shift their geographical ranges to seek more suitable conditions, potentially leading to the displacement of native species, changes in species interactions, and potential ecosystem disruptions.
Increased Disease and Pest Outbreaks: Climate change can affect the distribution and prevalence of diseases and pests, impacting the health and survival of plants, animals, and humans.

Question 5

Warmer world effect

Answer 5

Increased Temperatures: Rising global temperatures can lead to heatwaves, extended periods of hot weather, and higher average temperatures, which can impact ecosystems and human health.
Melting of Glaciers and Polar Ice: Warmer temperatures can accelerate the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, leading to rising sea levels and loss of critical habitats for polar species.
Changes in Precipitation Patterns: Climate change can result in altered rainfall patterns, with some regions experiencing more intense rainfall events and others facing droughts or shifts in seasonal rainfall patterns.
Impact on Water Resources: Changes in precipitation and melting patterns can affect water availability in rivers, lakes, and aquifers, impacting ecosystems, agriculture, and human water supplies.
Ocean Acidification: Increased carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption by the oceans leads to ocean acidification, which can harm marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and shell-forming organisms.