Lecture 12 - The Biosphere Flashcards
Ecology
The scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their enviornment
Biotic Factors
Organisms
Mates, offsrpings, competitors, predators, prey
Abiotic Factors
Non-living physical characteristics
Temperature, pressure, light, water, oxygen, chemistry, nutrients
Energy
The amount of energy determines the types and number of species we find in a biome
Temperature
A key abiotic factor due to its effect on metabolism
Nutrients
Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Oxygen
High Oxygen (moving water) and Low Oxygen (still water)
Wind
- Increases water loss
- Lowers temperatures
Disturbance
A temporary change in enviornmental conditions that cause a pronounced change in an ecosystem
Wildlife, natural disasters
Biomes
Major type of ecological association that occupies a broad geographic area
Primary productivity
Rate of plant production of biomass
Amount of plant growth in an area over a given period of time
Biodiversity
Number of species
Weather
Temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity at a specific place in a specific amount of time
Climate
The revailing temperature and precipitation conditions over a long period of time in a specific region
Latitude
Distance from the equator
1 degree = 69 miles
