Unit 4 Lesson 11: Complex Ecosystem Transformations Flashcards
What cuases air pollution
Air pollution results from the introduction of toxic chemicals, primarily from burning fossil fuels, into the air.
What happens when acid rain falls on the tundra
When acid rain falls on the tundra, the snow turns a darker color. This dark color prevents it from reflecting as much light as before, so the snow absorbs more of the sun’s heat. This raises the temperature of the snow, and causes it to melt.
Eventually, the pollution in the haze settles out of the air and clouds, and falls to the ground as polluted precipitation, known as
acid rain
impact of acid rain on soil
Acid rain can also remove nutrients and minerals (especially aluminum) from the soil.
This chemically laden air (carrying nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide) can form a haze over the land. What does this lead to
This chemically laden air (carrying nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide) can form a haze over the land, causing more clouds to form over that area.
Does air pollution travel or spread
Winds can blow this pollution over long distances
What happens do a surface when acid rain falls
When acid rain falls, it lowers the pH level of whatever surface it lands on. That can kill off many species of aquatic plants and animals
tundra biome
cold, treeless biome in the Arctic, with frozen soil (permafrost) covered by lichens and mosses
chemically laden air
carrying nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide
ecosystem
all the organisms in a given area along with the nonliving things with which they interact
community
all the organisms living in a given area
Slightly farther to the south of the arctic tundra are the boreal forests also known as
taiga
biome
distinct terrestrial region characterized by its climate and soil conditions and the species of organisms living there
Although acid rain impacts every biome on Earth, it is especially evident in the
tundra
One of the keystone populations in the taiga is
lichens
How does acid rain impact photosynthesis
acidic rain or fog can damage foliage, making the leaves less able to photosynthesize
Importance of permanet snoe cover in the Artic
Permanent snow cover in the Arctic is essential for the biodiversity of the region and the survival of the wildlife.
Many arctic animals, such as seals and polar bears, rely on the snow and ice. Elaborate
Seals need it as gripping to leave the water and polar bears need it as a hunting ground when they go after seals. If the ice and snow disappear, both will be affected. Seals will have trouble coming out the water, while polar bears will need to spend more time and energy hunting for food.
importance of lichens in taiga
. In the taiga, lichens serve as the basis for several food chains, especially in the communities of the arctic and boreal forests.
lichens
fungus living with alga or cyanobactrium.
How do Lichens live life
Lichens are slow-growing organisms that encrust rocks or the bark of trees. In good conditions, they can even grow to look like small bushes. Lichens receive all of their nutrients from air, so they are very sensitive to pollution
What happens to lichens and plants when a haze of air pollution settles on tree trunks or rocks
When a haze of air pollution settles on tree trunks or rocks, it affects the encrusting lichens and plants that are growing.
Impact of a moderate amount of air polluion on lichens
A moderate amount will kill leaf-type lichens.
Crusty lichens and air pollution
Crusty lichens can survive slightly more pollution, but they will eventually die without clean air.
Impact of a small amount of air pollution on lichens
A small amount of pollution can cause lichens to develop structural differences, which reduces their ability to photosynthesize.
When the lichens die off, every species in the taiga is affected. What happen in the Lapland Nature Reserve
In the Lapland Nature Reserve, a taiga in northern Russia, there was a dramatic lichen die-off in 2013. Loss of the lichen caused 61,000 reindeer, 20% of the entire reindeer population, to starve to death. With fewer reindeer to eat, the wolf and bear populations also suffered substantial losses. Because lichens are slow-growing, these population declines could take many years to correct, or they could be permanent.
Many bird species also migrate from the northern climates to the south in the winter, mainly for food. What is happening due to climate chage
. If climate change has altered the southern ecosystem and the species of plants (seeds and/or berries) the birds needs are diminished or no longer present, those species of migrating birds are going to die off.
population
all members of a particular species in a given area at a given time
The changes in the climate can also alter migration patterns of organisms. Elaboarte using Caribou as an example
. For example, if caribou are moving from one place to another in search of food, what happens if the food source at the new location has died?
Biomes are special habitats on the planet that are characterized by their
climate and soil conditions
Tropical desert
The tropical desert gets the least amount of rainfall—less than 30 centimeters. It is hot and dry here.
What are some chararteristics that help define a biome
One of the characteristics that help define a biome is the amount of rainfall it gets every year. Temperature is also a primary influencing factor.
tundra
The tundra is a cold desert. While it gets a lot of snow, it gets very little rain.
oceans
The oceans are the largest biome on the planet. They cover about 72 percent of Earth’s surface.
deciduous forest
A deciduous forest is characterized by trees that lose their leaves in the fall. This biome is found in the northern parts of North America and Europe.
tropical rain forest
In contrast, the tropical rain forest is the wettest biome, receiving more than 120 centimeters of rain per year. This biome is one of the most biodiverse
Grasslands/savannas
Grasslands—also called savannas—are usually warm and dry. However, there are some grasslands that have snow and freezing temperatures.
freshwater lakes
: Freshwater lakes are another aquatic biome
The taiga, or boreal forest
The taiga, or boreal forest, is known for its cold winter temperatures, with lush greenery during the summer.
How can the introduction of a new species, like those displaced by climate change, alter an ecosystem?
When a new species is introduced, the native populations are forced to compete for limited resources. The new species is often a better competitor because it has few, if any, natural predators and often reproduces more successfully. This, in addition to the limited resources caused by climate change, allows the introduced species to be successful at the expense of the native ones. When the new species has fully established itself in the area, the ecosystem is changed.
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How does a tropical rainforest compare to a temperate rainforest?
The main difference between these two biomes is the temperature. Tropical areas are located closer to the equator, so they are much warmer than the temperate areas, which are usually found at more northern latitudes.
How is climate change affecting the red fox in the tundra?
The red fox, which used to be limited to warmer, southern climates, is now moving farther north because the temperatures up there are now tolerable.
How has climate change caused increased competition on the tundra?
As the biodiversity of the tundra changes, new organisms are moving to areas where they have never lived before. Species from warmer areas are moving north because the ice has been melting and the temperatures are warmer. This introduces new species to the area that are in competition with those already there. The new species have limited predators and are usually better at finding resources because they are used to the warm weather. This shuts out the native species, altering the ecosystem.
How might zooplankton (including krill) be impacted by ocean acidification? And how might those changes impact the marine food web?
Zooplankton rely on carbonate shells. Ocean acidification reduces the amount of carbonate available for shell formation. Krill are amongst the most common members of zooplankton and krill are the base of the food web that extends up to all manner of fish, sharks, whales, and even seabirds.
What causes coral bleaching?
Coral bleaching occurs when high water temperatures and water acidity cause coral polyps to expel algae, causing them to turn white in color.
What causes ocean acidification?
Ocean acidification occurs when acidic carbon dioxide dissolves in water, lowering the water’s pH.
