Ecology 8_27 Lecture Questions

Questions and Answers

What is the primary difference between climate and weather?

Weather is a general trend, while climate is specific to a single location.

Weather is predictable over long periods, while climate can change rapidly.

Climate is the long-term pattern of weather, whereas weather is the temperature and moisture conditions at a specific time and place. (correct)

Climate refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while weather refers to long-term averages.

Which factor does NOT contribute to variations in climate?

Solar radiation

Geographic location

Short-term weather events (correct)

Coriolis effect

Which of the following best describes natural history?

An approach solely aimed at predicting future ecological changes.

A numerical model that calculates ecological interactions based on climate.

A method focused on experimental data and statistical analysis.

A descriptive study that involves collection, naming, and archiving biological specimens. (correct)

What role does natural history play in modern ecology?

It provides foundational knowledge that leads to scientific questions. Signup and view all the answers

How do solar radiation and the Coriolis effect influence Earth's wind patterns?

They affect wind direction and intensity differently in various regions. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the tilt of the Earth's axis have on solar radiation at different latitudes?

It causes solar radiation to be spread over a greater area. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the climatic characteristics of the tropics compared to the polar regions?

The tropics have minimal variation in both day length and temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs as a result of the Hadley Cell circulation near the equator?

Hot air rises and leads to heavy rainfall. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the day length experienced due to the Earth's axial tilt?

The tilt results in long summer days and short winter days in the summer hemisphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the occurrence of deserts at latitudes around 30°N and 30°S?

Air descends due to the Hadley Cell circulation creating high pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that allows for sufficient moisture for plant growth according to climate diagrams?

Precipitation being higher than temperature Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes climate diagrams?

They were invented by Heinrich Walter. Signup and view all the answers

Which terrestrial biome is characterized by less than 300 mm of precipitation?

Desert Signup and view all the answers

What does the secondary y-axis in climate diagrams typically represent?

Mean monthly precipitation Signup and view all the answers

For a Mediterranean biome, what is the typical range of annual precipitation?

300 – 600 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is essential for defining biomes according to their characteristics?

Natural history Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the frost period in climate diagrams?

Mean daily minimum temperature Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of land area do tropical rainforests currently cover?

5% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adaptations is common in tropical savanna during the dry season?

Grasses quickly resprout after fires Signup and view all the answers

In what region are tropical dry forests typically found?

0° - 25° Signup and view all the answers

What key factor influences the vegetation in Mediterranean Woodland and Shrubland?

Hot dry summers and fire Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of desert plants regarding their leaves?

Have reduced or no leaves to minimize water loss Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adaptations is common among trees in Mediterranean Woodland?

Fire-resistant bark Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of tallgrass prairie has been lost?

Approximately 97% Signup and view all the answers

Which type of plant is commonly found growing on other plants in tropical rainforests?

Epiphytes Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of the Boreal Forest?

Extreme temperature variation Signup and view all the answers

Which adaptive feature helps desert plants survive dry conditions?

Hairs on leaves to trap moisture Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon is associated with songbird migrations in Temperate Forest?

Seasonal changes in food availability Signup and view all the answers

During which season do deciduous trees in tropical dry forests typically drop their leaves?

Dry season Signup and view all the answers

What climate characteristic defines desert regions?

Water loss exceeds precipitation Signup and view all the answers

What primarily distinguishes climate from weather?

Climate refers to long-term patterns, whereas weather refers to short-term conditions. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Coriolis effect influence wind patterns on Earth?

By deflecting winds and ocean currents, affecting regional patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What seasonal climate variations are primarily influenced by Earth's axial tilt?

Predictable seasonal variations like summer and winter. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key cause of long-term climate shifts over millions of years?

Earth's axial tilt and orbital changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of large bodies of water in moderating climate?

They absorb and release heat slowly. Signup and view all the answers

What type of climate pattern is typically found near 30° latitude?

Deserts with high temperature variation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes atmospheric circulation caused by solar radiation?

It drives large-scale circulation patterns like Hadley Cells. Signup and view all the answers

How do long-term changes in global atmospheric circulation affect climate?

They can lead to shifts in precipitation and temperature patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily responsible for the minimal seasonal temperature variation in tropical regions?

Direct rays of the sun throughout the year Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs at the poles during winter due to Earth's tilt?

Continuous darkness Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the Earth's axial tilt being larger than 23.5 degrees?

More extreme seasons Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes the summer conditions in the Northern Hemisphere?

The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes the small variations in day length experienced in the tropics?

Consistent solar energy throughout the year Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the sunlight available at the poles during summer?

It results in continuous daylight Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of day length and temperature in the region between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn?

Minimal variation throughout the year Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the tilt of the Earth have on the Southern Hemisphere when the Northern Hemisphere is experiencing summer?

The Southern Hemisphere experiences winter Signup and view all the answers

How does the orientation of mountain ranges impact air mass flow?

It influences moisture distribution and climatic conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the tilt of the Earth's axis play in seasonal variations?

It results in different latitudes experiencing varying seasons at different times. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Tropic of Cancer located, and what is its significance?

23.5° North Latitude; it marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of regions between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn?

They typically have a warm climate throughout the year. Signup and view all the answers

Why do regions near the equator receive more energy and warmth than those near the poles?

Sunlight hits different parts of the Earth at various angles. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the summer solstice for the Southern Hemisphere?

The sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn. Signup and view all the answers

How do uneven heating and axial tilt contribute to climate variation?

They establish predictable patterns of latitudinal and seasonal climate variation. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the orientation of mountains generally have on climate?

It alters how moisture is dispersed and climatic conditions develop. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of the Coriolis Effect on global wind patterns?

It shapes the direction of winds like the Trade Winds and Westerlies. Signup and view all the answers

Why does water have a higher specific heat than land?

It requires more energy to change the temperature of water than land. Signup and view all the answers

How does the solar equator affect rainy seasons near the Equator?

It causes two rainy seasons as it moves north and south. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Coriolis Effect play in ocean currents?

It influences the direction of oceanic circulation. Signup and view all the answers

In which zones are distinct wet and dry periods observed?

Tropical zones Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes the temperature moderation in areas near large bodies of water?

Water's high specific heat capacity Signup and view all the answers

What climatic conditions are expected in temperate zones?

Four distinct seasons with significant temperature changes Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon does the movement of the solar equator create in relation to rain patterns?

Two rainy seasons at the Equator Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the formation of Hadley Cells?

Warm air rises at the equator, cools, and descends around 30° latitude. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the Ferrel Cells located between 30° and 60° latitude?

They involve rising air around 60° latitude leading to stormy weather. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor mainly contributes to the dry conditions found around 30° latitude?

Descending cooled air from Hadley Cells. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Coriolis effect influence global wind patterns?

It alters wind direction, causing different circulation patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What weather phenomena are typically associated with the descending air of Hadley Cells?

Dry and arid conditions, forming deserts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of solar radiation in the Earth's atmospheric circulation?

It drives vertical air movement by heating the Earth's surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of the Coriolis effect on wind patterns?

It leads to east-west circulation patterns in trade winds. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the climatic differences between the equator and 30° latitude?

The equator has intense solar heating which creates low-pressure zones. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Class Overview

TopHat participation begins next week.
HE+ section updates on Blackboard anticipated next week.
First in-class quiz scheduled for Tuesday.

Natural History

Historically characterized by species collection, naming, categorization, and archiving.
Largely descriptive, provides foundational knowledge for scientific inquiry.
Essential for defining biomes, influenced by climate and predominant vegetation.

Climate Concepts

Weather: Short-term temperature and moisture conditions in a specific location.
Climate: Long-term weather patterns over extensive areas; averages of weather data.
Variation in climate caused by uneven solar heating and Earth's axial tilt.

Solar Radiation and Earth's Axis

Tilt of Earth's axis affects solar radiation intensity, creating variation in heat distribution.
Axis tilt leads to greater sunlight area coverage, resulting in less energy concentration per surface area.

Polar vs. Tropical Differences

Poles experience extreme seasonal changes in day length and temperatures.
Tropics have minimal variations in day length and temperatures, receiving direct sunlight between 23.5°N and 23.5°S.

Day Length Effects

During summer, the tilt towards the sun results in longer days; opposite during winter.

Long-term Climate Fluctuations

Notable changes in Earth's climate over the last 1-2 million years primarily driven by solar radiation variations.

Atmospheric Circulation

Hadley Cells dominate equatorial regions; hot air rises and cool air descends.
Regions near the equator receive heavy rainfall, while deserts form around 30° latitude.

Climate Diagrams

Developed by Heinrich Walter, they effectively summarize climatic data utilizing standard structures.
Include key components: locality, elevation, mean monthly temperature, mean monthly precipitation, and frost period.

Understanding Climate Diagrams

Temperature plotted on the primary y-axis, precipitation on the secondary y-axis.
Monthly rainfall needs to correlate with temperature for optimal plant growth; >20mm precipitation needed for every 10°C of temperature.

Terrestrial Biomes

Biomes characterized by climate, soil nutrients, and fire frequency.
Tropical rainforests: Located within 10° of the equator, hold 50% of species on only 5% of land area; rich canopy and high competition for light.

Climate Features of Major Biomes

Tropical Dry Forest: Opposite rainy seasons in hemispheres; minimal temperature variation.
Tropical Savanna: Short rainy season, located between tropical dry forests; fire resilience in flora.
Desert: Found at 30° N and S; high water loss compared to precipitation; features varied adaptations for water conservation.

Mediterranean Woodland and Shrubland

Also known as Chaparral; experiences hot, dry summers with fire as a key ecological factor.
Vegetation adapted to fire, with many species having fire-resistant attributes.

Other Biomes

Temperate Grassland: Mostly depleted; important for understanding herbivore interactions.
Temperate Forest: Located between 30°-50°; more rainfall than grasslands; notable for bird migrations.
Boreal Forest (Taiga): Predominantly in the Northern Hemisphere, known for extreme temperature variations and long winters.

Unique Adaptations

Tropical ecosystems feature epiphytes; deserts have drought-resistant plants; Mediterranean plants adapted to fire.
Temperate forests support migratory songbirds, while boreal forests host species capable of surviving severe winters.

Climate vs. Weather

Climate refers to long-term patterns of weather conditions, while weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions.

Forces Causing Climate Variations

Short-term Variations

Solar Radiation and Earth's Tilt: Earth's axial tilt (23.5 degrees) affects solar radiation intensity, causing seasonal climate variations.
Atmospheric Circulation: Uneven solar heating creates large-scale circulation patterns, distributing heat and moisture (e.g., Hadley Cells, Ferrel Cells, Polar Cells).
Coriolis Effect: Earth's rotation deflects winds and ocean currents, shaping regional weather patterns.
Oceanic and Continental Effects: Oceans moderate coastal temperatures due to high specific heat, while land heats and cools rapidly, causing extremes inland.

Long-term Variations

Earth's Axial Tilt and Orbital Changes: Variations in tilt and orbit can lead to climate shifts over millions of years, such as ice ages.
Global Atmospheric and Ocean Circulation: Long-term changes in these systems impact precipitation and temperature patterns, affecting climate over decades to centuries.

Solar Radiation and Coriolis Effect in Wind Patterns

Solar Radiation: Creates convection cells; warm air rises at the equator, cools, descends at 30° latitude, forming high-pressure zones, resulting in deserts.
Coriolis Effect: Causes wind deflection due to Earth’s rotation, shaping trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies.

Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar Cells

Hadley Cells:
- Located between the equator and 30° latitude.
- Warm air rises, leads to rain at the equator, and descends, creating deserts at 30°.
- Generates Trade Winds flowing towards the equator.
Ferrel Cells:
- Found between 30° and 60° latitude.
- Warm air from Hadley Cells rises at about 60° latitude, creating stormy weather.
- Influences weather patterns based on mountain ranges' orientation.

Earth's Tilt and Climate Variation

Tilt of the Axis: Causes seasonal variations as different Earth parts tilt towards or away from the sun.
Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn: Mark areas of direct overhead sunlight on solstices, influencing tropical climates.

Poles vs. Tropics

Poles: Experience extreme seasonal temperature changes with continuous daylight in summer and total darkness in winter.
Tropics: Minimal temperature variation year-round due to direct sunlight; characterized by consistently warm climates.

Importance of the Coriolis Effect

Critical for understanding global wind patterns, ocean currents, and the movement of weather systems.

Seasonality and Climate Zones

Temperate Zones: Four distinct seasons with notable temperature changes.
Tropical Zones: Minor temperature changes, marked by wet and dry seasons.

Equatorial Rainy Seasons

Solar Equator Movement: The solar equator shifts between the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn, affecting rainy seasons.
Rainy Seasons: Occur when the Intertropical Convergence Zone moves over specific tropics, creating two rainy seasons at the equator.

Specific Heat and Temperature Regulation

High Specific Heat of Water: Requires more energy to change temperature, which moderates coastal climates.
Low Specific Heat of Land: Heats and cools quickly, causing more extreme temperature variations compared to coastal areas.

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Description

This quiz covers the foundational concepts of natural history as discussed in the BIOL 3309 course. Students will explore historical methods of collecting, naming, categorizing, and archiving ecological data. Prepare to engage deeply with the principles that inform our understanding of life on land.