people and the biosphere - paper 3 Flashcards
abiotic components
Non-living environmental factors that have influence over the ecosystem
altitude
A measurement of the height of the land
altitudinal zonation
The presence of distinct bands of different vegetation types at different elevations, caused by the change of environmental conditions with altitude.
biome
a large, distinct region of the Earth with similar climate, soil, plants and animals.
what else can a biome be referred to as
globe-scale ecosystem
biosphere
The living layer of Earth between the atmosphere (air) and the lithosphere (crust) where all plants and animals are found.
biotic components
Living organisms that interact with the environment and other organisms within an ecosystem
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.
carbon sequestration
The long-term capture and storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
taiga/boreal (coniferous forest biome) facts
A biome located at high latitudes, characterised by conifer trees and a cold climate.
consumer
Organisms that receive energy from consuming (i.e. eating) living organisms.
decomposer
Organisms that break down organic material and release the nutrients back into the ecosystem
desert biome
A biome located around 30° north and south of the equator, characterised by extremely low precipitation levels and extreme daily temperature fluctuations.
ecosystem
A natural system in which a community of plants and animals interact with each other and their physical environment.
Eutrophication
The growth of algae in a body of water due to excess nutrients, leading to the
depletion of oxygen in an aquatic ecosystem.
food chain
shows the biotic interactions within an ecosystem, from a producer to a final consumer.
hydrological cycle
The continuous transfer of water throughout Earth.
indigenous people
The earliest known settlers in an area.
industrialisation
The development of the industrial sector in a country or region.
malthusian theory
The theory that population growth increases exponentially but resource supply only increases linearly.
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.
nutrient cycling
The transfer of nutrients through an ecosystem, from the decay of organic material into the production and energy of living organisms.
producers
Organisms that convert energy from the environment (mainly sunlight) into sugars
(glucose).
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.
