Lec 1-3 Flashcards
1
Q
Term ecology termed by _______ in 1866
A
Ernst Haeckel
2
Q
Ecology translates to:
A
The study of our house: Earth
3
Q
What is ecology?
A
Study of relationships between organisms and their environment (including relationships w/ other organisms)
Study of interactions that determine distributions and abundance of organisms
-Determines where organisms exist
4
Q
What do ecologists study?
A
Order from most specific to least specific:
Organismal to Population to Community to Ecosystem to Biosphere
5
Q
Organismal Ecology
A
AKA Physiological ecology
Focus: Adaptations of individuals to the abiotic (nonliving) components of their environments (i.e. temp, water, sunlight, soil)
6
Q
Population Ecology
A
Population: Group of organisms of the same species in a certain area at a certain time
Focus: Factors that affect population dynamics (i.e. density and growth)
Most QUANTITATIVE portion of ecology
7
Q
Community Ecology
A
Classic definition of ecology
Community: ALL of the organisms (all of the populations) in a certain area at a certain time
Focus: Interactions among all of the organisms of all of the species (i.e. competition, predation, mutualism)
8
Q
Ecosystem Ecology
A
Ecosystem: all of the organisms (the community) in a certain area at a certain time, plus all of the abiotic components of the area
Focus: the flow of energy through and the cycling of nutrients within the ecosystem
–Energy flows, nutrients cycle
9
Q
Biosphere Ecology
A
Biosphere: the entire habitable portion of Earth
–From ~10,000m above to ~10,000m below sea level
Focus: global processes (climate patterns) and the distribution of biomes (ecosystem types) that results
CLimate patterns differ (due to angle of sun and earth at that point), so ecosystems differ
10
Q
Ecologists study a range of ____________ and a range of ____________
A
Spatial scales; temporal (time) scales
11
Q
Example of spatial scales
A
Community level:
- -Community could be all of the organisms in Amazon rainforests
- -Community could be all of the organisms in a termite’s gut
12
Q
Example of temporal scales
A
Population level:
- -Ecologists may study a population of mayflied that live for just a few hours as adults (very SHORT temporal scale)
- -May study changing distr of an oak population since the end of the Pleistocene (~11,500 years ago; last ice age; oak trees lived on equator)
13
Q
How do Ecologists Conduct their Studies?
A
Field Observations
Field and Laboratory Experiments
Mathematical Models
14
Q
Field Observations
A
To detect patterns in nature
15
Q
Field and laboratory experiments
A
To explain the patterns
16
Q
Mathematical models
A
To make predictions about the patterns
17
Q
What is Ecology NOT?
A
NOT equivalent to environmentalism or environmental science
18
Q
Environmental science
A
Focuses only on humans’ affect on environment
Environmental activists
19
Q
Ecology is a _________- while environmental science is a ___________
A
pure (natural) science; applied science
20
Q
Applied Science
A
Incorporates BOTH pure sciences and social sciences
21
Q
Ecology is to ____________ as physics is to __________-
A
environmental science; engineering
Ecology and physics are the pure sciences, environmental science and engineering are the applied sciences
22
Q
Frog Case Study
A
STUDY IN NOTES; Result: flukes AND pesticides affect frog deformities
23
Q
Weather
A
Current conditions (temp, precip, wind speed)
24
Q
Climate
A
Long-term description of weather
Based on averages, variation, extremes, timing measured over centuries
Largely determines geographic distr of organisms (determine biomes)
SUN is ultimate source of energy that drive global climate
25
Atmospheric Patterns
Sun's energy NOT received equally everywhere on Earth
Near EQUATOR:
- -Sun's rays strike directly
- -Less atmosphere to penetrate
- -More constricted portion covered by sun's rays
Near POLES:
- -Sun's rays spread over larger area
- -More atmosphere to penetrate (rays more diluted)
26
Uplift
Warm air is LESS dense than cool air, so it RISES
When solar radiation heats Earth's surface, which in turn warms air above it
Air pressure DECREASES with altitude, so rising air expands and cools
More precipitation
27
Cool air holds ______ water vapor than warm air
LESS
Forms liquid water instead, resulting in precipitation
28
Tropical Regions
0 to 30 N and S
Hadley Cell
Prevailing winds: TRADE WINDS
Receive MOST solar radiation:
- -Uplift
- -Low Pressure
- -High Precipitation
29
When air reaches max altitude, air flows ____________________
North or South, toward the poles
As the air moves away from equator toward poles, it COOLS further
30
Subsidence
Air descends when it cools, forming HIGH pressure zones
Occurs MOST at 30 N and S
--Major DESERTS of the world occur at these points
31
Polar Zone
60 to 90 N and S
Polar Cell
Prevailing winds: EASTERLIES
Receive LESS solar radiation than equator:
- -Subsidence (POLAR DESERTS)
- -High pressure
- -Low Precipitation
32
Temperate Zone
30 to 60 N and S
Ferrel cell
Prevailing winds: WESTERLIES
33
Coriolis Effect
Object at equator moves to EAST at 1040mph (if moving around world in 24hrs)
Object at 60 N or S moves EAST at 520mph (24hrs)
34
Earth moves ______ to ______
West to East
35
Air mass at equator flows toward the poles is moving FASTER than ground below it and appears deflected to ___
EAST
36
Air flowing from HIGHER alt back to equator is moving SLOWER than ground below and appears deflected to _______
WEST
37
Coriolis Effect results in ___________
Prevailing Winds:
- -0-30: trade winds
- -30-60: Westerlies
- -60-90: Easterlies
38
Major ocean currents driven by __________, modified by _________
Prevailing winds; continents
39
_______ push surface waters ________ at equator
Trade winds; westward
40
When waters hit continents, they split:
Into north- or south-flowing currents
41
Water flows N to S, encounter _____, which blow them back to the ______
Westerlies; east
42
Water has _______ specific heat capacity than land
HIGHER
Water can absorb and store much heat energy with minimal change to its temp (moderating effect)
43
Maritime Climate
Coastal areas
Little daily and seasonal variation in temple
44
Continental Climate
Areas in center of large continents
Much temp variation
45
Air cools _________________ in elevation, so mountains are ______ than lowlands
6-10C for every 1000m INCREASE; COOLER
46
Rainshadow Effect
Air mass meets mountain range: West side gets uplife, east side gets subsidence
WINDWARD slope:
- -West Side
- -Uplift
- -High precip
LEEWARD slope:
- -East side
- -Subsidence
- -Little precip
47
Average annual temp gets progressively COOLER moving _________ from the equator towards the poles
AWAY
Regional influences modify this general rule (i.e. mtn ranges, maritime climates)
48
Hadley, Ferrel, and polar circulation cells lead to precip being _________ in tropical latitudes (0 N and S, 60 N and S) and ___________ at 30 N and S, 90 N and S
HIGHEST; LOWEST
UPLIFT at 0 and 60
SUBSIDENCE at 30 and 90
49
Earth tilted at ______ relative to sun's rays
23.5
50
Sun hits _________ Winter Solstice
Tropic of Capricorn (23.5S)
Sun never SETS in antarctic, sun never RISES in arctic
51
Sun hits __________ Summer Solstice
Tropic of Cancer (23.5 N)
Sun never RISES in antarctic, sun never SETS in arctic
52
Sun hits _________ at Spring and Fall Equinox
Equator
12 hrs of daylight EVERYWHERE on Earth
53
Equator receives __________ daylight year-round
12 hours`
54
In tropics, seasons marked by SLIGHT changes in ___________
Precipitation
Wet season and SLIGHTLY less wet season
55
Temperate and polar zones have ________ in solar radiation
Seasonal variation
Results in varying temps and daylengths
56
El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
Freq of ~3-8 years and lasts 18 months
El Nino events associated w/ equatorial Pacific Ocean
Results:
- -Diminished trade winds
- -Slowing circulation in Pacific
Eastern Pacific (N and S America) become WETTER than normal
Western pacific (Asia, Australia) become DRIER than normal
57
Earth's climate fluctuated b/w warmer and cooler conditions several times over past ___________
500 million years
Influence development of ecosystems and evol. hist. of organisms
58
Long-term climate variations due to regular changes in _____________________-
Shape of Earth's orbit and tilt of axis
```
Shape of orbit:
--Varies b/w elliptical and more circular
---100,000 year cycle
Angle of tilt:
--Changes 40,000 years
--B/w 22.3 to 24.5
```
59
Biome
Largest category of ecosystem that can be studied
60
Biome distr
Dictated by global climate (temp, precip) patterns
61
Biomes characterized by ______________
Dominant plant forms
62
Terrestrial Biomes:
Tropical Rainforests (10 N and S)
Tropical Seasonal Forests (10N to 23.5 N, 10S to 23.5S)
Hot Deserts (30 N and S)
Temperate Grasslands (30 and 50 N and S)
Temperate Shrublands and Woodlands (30 and 40 N and S)
Temperate Deciduous Forests (30 and 50 N ONLY)
Temperate Evergreen Forests (30N and 50 N and S)
Boreal Forests (50 and 65 N)
Tundra (>65 N)
Polar Deserts (Greenland in N, Antarctica in S)
63
Tropical Rainforests
10 N and S
Warm ALL year
Annual Precip: >200cm
--At least 10cm precip per month
HIGHEST species diversity of ANY biome, terrestrial or aquatic
HIGHEST biomass and productivity of ANY biome
Dominant Plant Form:
- -Tall Evergreen (don't lose leaves) Trees
- --Epiphytes (Herbacious plants climb trees) and lianas (Woody vine)
LITTLE light reaches forest floor; understory adapted to dark
64
Tropical Seasonal Forests and Savannas
10 N to 23.5 N (tropic of Cancer); 10 S to 23.5 S (Tropic of Capricorn)
Season Forests:
- -1 or 2 dry seasons
- -Shorter DECIDUOUS trees
- -More Grasses and Shrubs than rainforests
- -Overall slightly LOWER species diversity
Savanna:
- -Tropical Grassland
- -Similar to forests, but mainly grasses and only scattered trees/shrubs mixed in
BOTH:
--Highly adapted to FIRE and GRAZING by large herbivorous animals (zebra, wildebeest, buffalo)
65
Hot Deserts
30 N and S
High temps year round
Annual Precip <25cm
SPARSE vegetation and animal populations
Abundance low, species diversity HIGH
Dominant plant form:
--Succulents (stems/leaves store water)
Desert plants also include:
- -Drought-deciduous shrubs
- -Grasses
- -Short-lived annuals
66
Temperate Grasslands
30 and 50 N and S
Seasonal Temp Variation:
- -WARM and WET Summers
- -COOL and DRY winters
Precip spread thru/out, more in summer
Grasses adapted to fire and grazers
High organic matter in soil
```
#1 biome MOST affected by humans:
--Good for agriculture
```
AKA prairie
MIDDLE of US
67
Temperate Shrublands and Woodlands
B/w 30 and 40 N and S
Mediterranean Climate:
- -Mild rainy winters
- -Hot, DRY summers
- -I.e.: Southern CA
Shrublands:
- -Dominant plant form:
- ---Perennial, woody, evergreen shrubs
- -----Also many ANNUAL species
- ---Other mediterranean vegetation:
- -----Chaparral (taller ~5-6ft)
- -----Coastal sage scrub
Woodlands:
- -Dominant plant form:
- ---Pinon Pine and juniper woodland (rel. small trees)
HIGH species diversity
Adapted to and DEPENDENT on fires:
--Many plants will not germinate until AFTER fire
On WEST COAST of US
68
Temperate Deciduous Forests
B/w 30 and 50 N
Cold winters and mild to warm summers
Fairly reliable precip year round; most occurs in SUMMER
Leave lost in WINTER
HIGH species diversity; NOT as high as rainforests
LITTLE disturbances
On EAST COAST of US
69
Temperate Evergreen Forests
30 N and 50 N and S
In MARITIME ZONES:
- -Most RESTRICTED biome
- -Coastal areas
Mild rainy winters and cool, rainy, foggy summers
Dominant plant form:
- -Large Evergreen Conifers
- ---Dominate, don't allow for many other species
HIGH biomass, LOW species diversity
70
Boreal Forests
AKA Northern Coniferous Forests or Taiga
50 and 65 N
Mean Annual Temp <5C
Dominant Plant Form:
--Evergreen Conifers
LOW species diversity
Permafrost:
- -Soil permanently frozen below 1 m deep
- ---Impede drainage of water; causes surface soils to be saturated
- ---VERY SLOW decomposition -> HIGH organic matter
- -Extensive bogs of PEAT MOSS results
71
Tundra
ABOVE 65 N
Cold temp and LOW precip year round
Permafrost
Dominant plant form:
--Not many plants, just mosses and lichens (fungus)
NO trees
Biome LEAST affected by humans
Animals:
- -Migratory birds
- -Herbivores (caribou)
- -Carnivores (wolves and bears)
- ---These animals have been extirpated throughout much of other biomes
72
Extirpated
Local extinction
73
Polar Deserts
Greenland in N, Antarctica in S
Cold, dry, covered in ice year round
74
Mountain Zones
Temp and precip change w/ elevation
Lower Montane Zone ~ Temperate grasslands/shrublands
1500m; 40 deg latitude
Montane Zone ~ Temperate deciduous/evergreen forest
2400m
Subalpine Zone ~ Boreal forest
3000m; >50 deg latitude
Alpine Zone ~ Tundra
3700m; 67 deg latitude
75
Freshwater Ecosystems
Limnology: study of freshwater ecosystems
Limnology:
- -Lotic (flowing water) systems
- -Lentic (still water) systems
76
Lotic Systems
Streams and rivers
First-order streams:
- -Smallest streams originating from high elevations
- -Converge to form second-order (2 second converge to form 3rd, so on)
Largest Rivers:
--Sixth-order stream or higher
Pelagic Zone:
- -Flowing water out of main channel (open water)
- ---Organisms here: NEKTON (swimmers)
Benthic Zone:
- -Bottom of stream
- ---Organisms here: Bottom dwellers, plankton (drifters)
Hyporheic Zone:
- -Soil BELOW and ADJACENT to stream where water movement occurs
- ---Organisms: Invertebrates
Riparian Vegetation:
--Plants adjacent to stream
77
Lentic System
Ponds and Lakes
Occur where:
- -Depressions in landscape fill with water
- -The flow of lotic system impeded
- ---Forms oxbow lakes
Biological zones determined by depth and degree light penetration
Pelagic Zone:
- -Open water
- ---Organisms: Zooplankton and fishes
Photic Zone:
- -UPPER LAYER of PELAGIC ZONE where light penetrates
- ---Organisms: Phytoplankton and zooplankton
Aphotic Zone:
- -Lower layer of pelagic zone where light does NOT penetrate
- ---Organisms: Zooplankton
Benthic Zone:
- -Lake Bottom
- ---Organisms: Invertebrates and bacteria; feed on detritus (dead organic matter)
Littoral Zone:
- -Benthic Zone that is near shore in PHOTIC ZONE
- ---Organisms: Fishes, inverts, zooplankton, phytoplankton, riparian vegetation
- -MOST productive and biodiverse part of lake
78
Marine Ecosystems
Also categorized as Pelagic and Benthic
Many diverse LITTORAL Ecosystems:
- -Estuaries
- -Intertidal Zones
- -Coral Reefs
- -Kelp Forests
79
Estuaries
Junction b/w river and ocean
Salinity varies
--Brackish water (combo of freshwater and saltwater)
HIGH productivity
Organisms:
- -Many fishes
- -Inverts
- -Shorebirds
- -Seagrasses
80
Intertidal Zones
Junction b/w marine and terrestrial ecosystems
Alternates b/w marine and terrestrial as tide comes in and out
Organisms:
- -Marine inverts
- -Algae
- ---Adapted to survive changing conditions; tolerate dessicaton, salinity, temp, wave action
81
Coral Reefs
Found in WARM, SHALLOW waters
--Tropical regions, along equator
Habitat for ENORMOUS DIVERSITY of species
Rates of biomass and production are some of highest on planet
- -"Rainforests of the Ocean"
- ---Second only to rainforests
82
Kelp Forests
COLD, SHALLOW waters
--Along entire CA coast
High diversity:
- -Algae
- -Inverts
- -Fishes
- -Marine mammals
83
Pelagic Zone in MARINE:
Open ocean
Photic zone:
- -Supports highest density of organisms
- -Extends ~200m deep
Aphotic Zone:
--Energy and nutrients supplied by falling detritus
Organisms:
- -Nekton (squids, fishes, sea turtles, marine mammals)
- -Phytoplankton (cyanobacteria, diatoms, dinoflagellates)
- -Zooplankton (protists, crustaceans)
84
Benthic Zone in MARINE
Ocean Floor
Sparsely populated:
- -Near freezing
- -VERY HIGH pressure
Organisms live in sediment (bacteria and marine worms) or graze on sediment (echinoderms)
