People and the Biosphere Flashcards
What are Abiotic Components
Non-living environmental factors that have influence over the ecosystem (e.g climate, light exposure, soil type)
Define Altitude
A measurement of the height of the land (usually as height above sea level)
Define Altitude zonation
The presence of distinct bands of different vegetation types at different elevation caused by the change of environmental conditions of altitude
Define biome
Also known as a global-scale ecosystem; a large, distinct region of the Earth with similar climate, soil, plants and animals
Define biosphere
The living layer of Earth between the atmosphere (air) and the lithosphere (crust) where all plants and animals are found
Define biotic components
Living organisms that interact with the environment and other organisms within an ecosystem
Define boserupian theory
The theory that the demands of the growing population will always be met, as humans will continue to invent new ways to increase resource supply
Define Carbon Sequestration
The long-term capture and storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
Define Coniferous forest biome (taiga/boreal)
A biome located at high latitudes, characterised by conifer trees and a cooled climate
Define consumers
Organisms that receive energy from consuming (i.e eating) living organisms
Define Decomposers
Organisms that break down organic material and release the nutrients back into the ecosystem
Define Desert biome
A biome located around 30° north and south of the equator, characterised by extremely low precipitation levels and extreme daily temperature fluctuations
Defien Ecosystem
A natural system in which a community of plants of animals interact with each other and their physical environment
Define Eutrophication
The growth of algae in a body of water due to excess nutrients, leading to the depletion of oxygen in an aquatic ecosystem
Define Food Chain
A linear relationship showing the biotic interactions within an ecosystem, from a producer to a final consumer
Define Hydrological cycle
The continuous transfer of water throughout Earth
Define indigenous people
The earliest known settlers in an area
Define Industrialisation
The development of the industrial sector in a country or region
Define Malthusian theory
The theory that population growth increases exponentially but resource supply only increases linearly
Define Mediterranean biome
A biome located 40-45° north of the equator (and in isolated spots south of the equator), characterised by mild, moist winters and hot, dry summers
Define Nutrient Cycling
The transfer of nutrients through an ecosystem, from the decay of organic material into the production and energy of living organisms
Define producers
Organisms that convert energy from the environment (mainly sunlight) into sugars (glucose)
Define Savanna biome
A biome located around 15-30° north and south of the equator, characterised by high temperatures, very dry summers and very wet winters
Define Temperate deciduous forest biome
A biome located around 40-50° north and south of the equator, characterised by deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves ) and moderate precipitation
Define Temperate grassland biome
A biome located in non-coastal areas around 30-40° north and south of the equator, characterised by low precipitation and grasses as major vegitation
Define transpiration
The evaporation of water from plants
Define Tropical rainforest biome
A biome located near the equator, characterised by very high precipitation and sustained warm temperatures
Define tundra biome
A biome located in the far northern hemisphere, characterised by very cold conditions and permanently frozen soils
Define urbanisation
The increase in the proportion of the population living in urban areas
