Unit 2 Test Flashcards
What are the six main terrestrial biomes
desert,
tundra,
grassland,
tropical rainforest,
temperate deciduous forest,
coniferous forest
primary characteristics of the six main terrestrial biomes
temperature, precipitation levels, dominant vegetation types
desert
low precipitation, extreme temperatures
tundra
Very low temperatures year-round
Low precipitation, often as snow
Ground covered by permafrost, with small, low-growing plants like lichens and shrub
grassland
moderate precipitation, grasses as dominant plants, very dry
tropical rainforest
high precipitation, high temperatures, diverse plant life
temperate deciduous forest,
moderate precipitation, distinct seasons, deciduous trees
coniferous forest
coniferous trees, cold winters, moderate precipitation
relationship between latitude and biodiversity
biodiversity generally increases as you move closer to the equator (low latitudes) and decreases as you move towards the poles (high latitudes)
How does latitude influence the variety of species in a given area
regions closer to the equator (low latitudes) generally having a higher diversity of species
compared to areas closer to the poles (high latitudes) due to warmer temperatures and more consistent conditions
optimum range
the ideal conditions or set point where an organism or system can function at its best
limits of tolerance
The upper and lower limits to the range of particular environmental factors (e.g. light, temperature, availability of water) within which an organism can survive.
biotic
living
abiotic
non living
CHONP
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus
why are the CHONP elements vital
they are the primary building blocks of all biological molecules necessary for life,
forming the essential components of cells,
proteins,
nucleic acids,
other crucial compounds within living organisms
four main organic macromolecule
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
carbohydrate purpose for body and what atoms does it contain
carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
provide your body with energy
lipid purpose for body and what atoms does it contain
Oxygen, carbon and hydrogen
energy storage molecules in the body, providing a concentrated source of energy,
protein purpose for body and what atoms does it contain
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur
to build and repair muscles and bones
nucleic acids purpose for body and what atoms does it contain
carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P)
carry genetic information which is read in cells to make the RNA and proteins by which living things function
step 1 nitrogen cycle
nitrogen fixation
atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) is converted into a usable form, like ammonia (NH3), by bacteria in the soil, allowing plants to absorb it through their roots
Nitrification
Ammonia is changed into nitrites (NO₂⁻) by bacteria.
Nitrites are then changed into nitrates (NO₃⁻) by other bacteria. Nitrates are what plants need to grow.
assimilation
Plants take up nitrates from the soil and use them to produce proteins and nucleic acids. Animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals.
Ammonification (Decomposition)
When plants and animals die or produce waste, bacteria break down the nitrogen in these materials back into ammonia, which goes back into the soil.
Denitrification
Some bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas (N₂) or nitrous oxide (N₂O), sending it back into the air and finishing the cycle.
step 1 (Phosphorus cycle)
Phosphorus is mainly found in rocks. Over time, weathering (like rain and wind) breaks down these rocks, releasing phosphorus into the soil and water.
Plants take up phosphorus from the soil in the form of phosphate (PO₄³⁻). This is essential for their growth, as phosphorus helps in making DNA, RNA, and energy molecules.
Animals get phosphorus by eating plants or other animals
When plants and animals die or produce waste, decomposers (like bacteria and fungi) break down their bodies, returning phosphorus back into the soil as phosphate.
Some phosphate can wash into rivers and lakes, eventually settling at the bottom and forming new rocks over time, completing the cycle.
carbon cycle
Carbon exists in the atmosphere mainly as carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and use it, along with sunlight and water, to produce glucose (a form of sugar) during photosynthesis
Animals eat plants (and other animals), taking in carbon in the form of organic compounds
Both plants and animals release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere through respiration.
They convert the carbon in their food into energy, producing CO₂ as a waste product.
When plants and animals die, decomposers (like bacteria and fungi) break down their bodies, releasing carbon back into the soil and atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
deadzone cause
excessive amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water,
deadzone consequences
Die-offs of aquatic life
algal blooms (cause deaths, produce toxins)
Economic impact (fishing and tourism industries)
Stress on fisheries
dissolved oxygen
the amount of oxygen that is dissolved in water.
It’s a key indicator of water quality and is essential for the survival of most aquatic organisms.
eutrophication
excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other body of water, frequently due to runoff from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen.
