Lecture 24 Flashcards
1
Q
Carbon cycle
A
- organic carbon is converted back to CO2 by oxidation
- respiration is oxidation carried out by organisms to obtain energy
- combustion is rapid, non-biological oxidation with release of heat
2
Q
Impacts from the anthroposphere
A
- Industrial combustion produces nitrogen oxides, contributing to smog
- sewage and agricultural run off contains high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous
- humans re-mobilize carbon by burning fossil fuels which are long term storage reservoirs
- deforestation releases carbon and removes a sink for CO2
3
Q
What is a biome?
A
Regions with similar environmental attributes
Terrestrial: most important attributes are temperature and precipitation
Aquatic: most important attributes are temperature, salinity and water depth
4
Q
Terrestrial biomes
A
Biomes change with altitude in a similar way to latitude
5
Q
Tundra
A
- terrestrial biome
- high latitude or high altitude
- characterized by permafrost
- long cold winters, short cool summers
6
Q
Boreal Forest
A
- terrestrial biome
- boarders tundra to the south
- cold winters, short growing seasons, low precipitation
- coniferous trees dominate
- also called taiga
7
Q
Temperate rain forest
A
- terrestrial biome
- coniferous forest
- milder winters
- high precipitation
- thick, tall forests
8
Q
Temperate deciduous forests
A
- terrestrial biome
- broad leaved deciduous trees
- characterized by seasonal changes
- soils rich in organic matter, well suited for agriculture
9
Q
Tropical rain forest
A
- equatorial regions
- high biodiversity
- high temperature, precipitation
- year round growing season
- closed forest (almost a continuous canopy)
- highly weathered soils, low organic content
- abundant decomposers
10
Q
Tropical deciduous forest
A
Terrestrial biome
- equatorial
- main seasonal variation is precipitation
- also called tropical seasonal or monsoon forests
11
Q
Savanna
A
Terrestrial biome
- tropical and subtropical open forest
- grassy plains, scattered trees
- high temperature, low rainfall
12
Q
Chaparral
A
Terrestrial biome
- hot, dry summer, cool, wet winter
- low, evergreen bushes and short trees
13
Q
Grassland
A
- extensive temperate prairies
- grasses with interconnected root systems
- rich soils, well suited to agriculture
14
Q
Desert
A
Terrestrial biome
- low precipitation extreme
- sparse plant cover
- plants adapted to lack water
15
Q
Freshwater
A
Aquatic biome
- flowing water environments (rivers, streams)
- standing water environments (lakes, ponds, wetlands)
