learning objectives 11 Flashcards
Define ecology.
The scientific study of the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms.
Define climate.
Climate is the long-term, prevailing weather conditions in a given area.
Why are the poles cold and the tropics warm?
The sun’s warming effect is greatest at the equator and smaller near the poles due to differences in the angle of sunlight and surface area exposure.
How does heat affect the movement of air and moisture in the atmosphere?
Warm air rises, cools, and falls; warm air holds more moisture, and cooling leads to condensation and precipitation.
Explain global air circulation patterns.
Hot air rises at the equator, loses moisture as rain, and dry air moves toward the poles, creating subtropical deserts when it sinks and absorbs moisture.
What makes the tropics warm and rainy?
High solar energy at the equator causes warm, moist air to rise and cool, leading to precipitation.
Describe the California Current and the Gulf Stream.
The California Current brings cold water from Alaska southward along the U.S. West Coast; the Gulf Stream carries warm water from the Caribbean to Western Europe.
How do mountains and coastal areas affect regional climate?
Mountains cause moist air to rise, cool, and drop rain on one side, creating dry conditions (rain shadows) on the other side. Coastal areas tend to have milder climates due to proximity to oceans.
Define biomes and their key factors.
Biomes are defined by plant responses to climate, particularly temperature and precipitation. Other factors include soil, topography, and fire.
What are the characteristics of Mediterranean-type ecosystems (MTEs)?
MTEs are found on Western coasts with cold ocean currents, limited to five small areas globally, and include regions like California, Chile, and the Mediterranean Basin.
What is special about Mediterranean plant biodiversity?
MTEs cover 2% of Earth’s land but contain 20% of vascular plants, with a high level of diversity, like chaparral plants.
Describe the California Floristic Province.
A biodiversity hotspot with 8,000 plant species, including 2,212 endemics, and has lost 70% of its original vegetation.
How have chaparral plants adapted to fire-prone environments?
Chaparral plants have closed canopies, are highly flammable in summer, and many species can crown sprout after fires.
