Biology Chapter 20: Ecosystems and the Biosphere
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary way groundwater is replenished in aquifers?

  • Percolation of water from rain and snow (correct)
  • Evaporation from lakes
  • Transpiration by plants
  • Surface runoff from rivers

Which of the following describes how streams receive their water?

  • They are maintained by surface water evaporation.
  • They flow due to groundwater inflow below. (correct)
  • They solely depend on melting snow.
  • They are filled by direct rainfall only.

What role does carbon play in living organisms?

  • It is a key component of fossil fuels.
  • It is primarily used for photosynthesis.
  • It forms the structure of organic molecules. (correct)
  • It is the main energy source for all plants.

What is a significant environmental concern regarding aquifers?

<p>They are being depleted faster than they are replenished. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does groundwater typically exist?

<p>In the pores of sand and gravel or fissures in rocks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient cycles are primarily transported from land to water through runoff?

<p>Minerals including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has accelerated the use of fossil fuels since the 1800s?

<p>The expansion of the industrial sector. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does water reenter the ocean in the water cycle?

<p>Through evaporation from lakes and rivers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major abiotic factors that determine the type of terrestrial biome in an area?

<p>Temperature and precipitation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is used to distinguish the eight major terrestrial biomes?

<p>Temperatures and amount of precipitation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are tropical rainforests often referred to as nature’s pharmacy?

<p>They have potential for new drug discoveries from their biodiversity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the leaves of trees in tropical rainforests throughout the year?

<p>They are evergreen and do not fall off. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main threats to tropical rainforests?

<p>Logging and deforestation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of vegetation, how do tropical rainforests differ from deciduous forests?

<p>Tropical rainforests have year-round foliage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a biome?

<p>Mountain ranges (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason fires are important in the management of temperate grasslands?

<p>They suppress tree growth and maintain grasses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of climate can allow the same biome to occur in geographically distinct areas?

<p>Similar climate conditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of vegetation dominates temperate forests?

<p>Deciduous trees (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following biomes typically has less diversity of tree species?

<p>Temperate forests (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the net primary productivity of temperate forests compare to that of tropical rainforests?

<p>It is lower due to a dormant winter period. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do lightning strikes have on temperate grasslands?

<p>They enhance the natural fire regime. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What temperature range is typical for temperate forests?

<p>–30°C to 30°C (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does leaf litter play in temperate forests?

<p>It enriches the soil with nutrients. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to vegetation when fire is suppressed in temperate grasslands?

<p>It converts to scrub or dense forests. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of nutrition for corals in nutritionally poor waters?

<p>Symbiotic relationship with protists (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation do corals living in deeper and colder waters have for obtaining energy?

<p>Feeding on zooplankton directly (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which category of fish primarily consumes plant material in coral reefs?

<p>Herbivores (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main threat to coral reefs resulting from climate change?

<p>Warm ocean surface temperatures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs as a result of corals expelling their protist partners?

<p>Coral bleaching (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long does it typically take to build a coral reef?

<p>Thousands of years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do predators play in coral reef ecosystems?

<p>They hunt herbivores and maintain balance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phylum do coral organisms belong to?

<p>Cnidaria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic do lakes in closed drainage basins have with respect to salt content?

<p>They can contain extremely high salt concentrations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a marine biome mentioned?

<p>Freshwater rivers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction of the pelagic zone in the ocean?

<p>It encompasses all of the ocean's open water. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The aphotic zone of the ocean is defined as the region that lacks sufficient light for what process?

<p>Photosynthesis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the intertidal zone?

<p>It experiences variation due to tidal cycles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the photic zone in the ocean?

<p>It is where photosynthesis can occur. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum depth of the Challenger Deep?

<p>11,000 meters (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about ocean depth and light penetration is correct?

<p>The majority of the ocean is aphotic due to lack of light. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average oceanic residence time for a phosphate ion?

<p>20,000 to 100,000 years (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes contributes to the increase of phosphorus in ocean waters?

<p>Weathering of rocks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of excess phosphorus and nitrogen in aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Eutrophication and formation of dead zones (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a dead zone?

<p>An area with reduced levels of dissolved oxygen (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does phosphate play in terrestrial food webs?

<p>It becomes available through weathering processes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What human activity is primarily responsible for the increase in dead zones?

<p>Fertilizer runoff (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area has one of the largest dead zones, as mentioned?

<p>Gulf of Mexico (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which effect does the decay of excessive algae have on aquatic organisms?

<p>Depletes dissolved oxygen in the water (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three broad categories of ecosystems based on their general environment?

<p>Freshwater, marine, and terrestrial (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which resource is typically NOT needed by organisms in an ecosystem for competition?

<p>Energy drinks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which ecosystem type do plankton and krill primarily thrive?

<p>Deep ocean water ecosystems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence community dynamics within an ecosystem?

<p>Soil color (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Earth's surface is covered by freshwater ecosystems?

<p>1.8% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about marine ecosystems is true?

<p>Marine ecosystems consist of shallow ocean, deep ocean water, and deep ocean bottom. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a significant portion of photosynthesis on Earth, particularly in marine environments?

<p>Phytoplankton (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ecosystem is known for being the least diverse?

<p>Deep ocean bottom ecosystems (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary vegetation type in chaparral regions?

<p>Shrubs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is crucial for the regeneration of plants in chaparral after a fire?

<p>Ashes rich in nutrients (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor limiting tree growth in temperate grasslands?

<p>Frequent fires (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which regions are temperate grasslands predominantly found?

<p>Central North America and Eurasia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What annual precipitation range does the chaparral biome typically experience?

<p>65 cm to 75 cm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adaptations do chaparral plants exhibit?

<p>They are dormant during summer droughts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of the dense root systems in temperate grasslands?

<p>Reduction of soil erosion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following biomes is primarily characterized by a treeless landscape?

<p>Temperate grasslands (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What abiotic factor primarily affects productivity through photosynthesis in aquatic biomes?

<p>Light availability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does water temperature impact aquatic organisms?

<p>It affects growth rates and oxygen availability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes freshwater biomes from marine biomes?

<p>Significantly lower salt content (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of environment is characterized by varying salt levels between freshwater and marine systems?

<p>Brackish water environments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do currents and tides play in marine biomes?

<p>Affecting nutrient distribution and habitat replenishment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which abiotic factor has a consistent influence on organisms in rivers?

<p>Constant water movement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the composition of aquatic communities?

<p>Abiotic factors shape the diversity of both freshwater and marine communities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to light penetration as one moves deeper into a body of water?

<p>Light diminishes until it cannot reach certain depths. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct sequence of processes involved in the nitrogen cycle?

<p>Ammonification, Nitrification, Denitrification (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about nitrogen fixation is true?

<p>It converts nitrogen gas into ammonium. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which bacteria are primarily responsible for converting nitrates back into nitrogen gas during denitrification?

<p>Pseudomonas and Clostridium (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an effect of human activities on the nitrogen cycle?

<p>Release of nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main product of ammonification in the nitrogen cycle?

<p>Ammonium (NH4+) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process follows ammonification in the nitrogen cycle?

<p>Nitrification (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential environmental consequence of nitrogen released from artificial fertilizers?

<p>Eutrophication of water bodies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is incorrectly matched with its function?

<p>Denitrification - Converts nitrites to nitrates (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily responsible for the clear water observed in headwater streams?

<p>Minimal silt levels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does tree cover affect photosynthesis in headwater streams?

<p>It reduces photosynthesis by creating shade. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation do some species of mayflies have for surviving in fast-moving water?

<p>Flattened bodies with modified claws (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the width of the river channel as it flows away from the source?

<p>The width gradually widens. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding sediment in rivers?

<p>Slower flow rates allow silt to settle and deposit. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What nutrient input is vital for the ecosystem of headwater streams?

<p>Decomposing leaves and organic material (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the temperature of river water typically change as it flows farther from the source?

<p>It increases due to longer sunlight exposure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do freshwater trout play in headwater streams?

<p>They serve as an important predator. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the abyssal zone?

<p>It has very high pressure and low oxygen content. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary energy source for chemosynthetic bacteria in the deep ocean?

<p>Hydrogen sulfide (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are coral reefs primarily located?

<p>In warm shallow waters within the photic zone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms are NOT typically found in the abyssal zone?

<p>Photosynthetic corals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which zone of the ocean has sufficient light for photosynthesis?

<p>Photic zone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is a defining feature of coral reefs?

<p>They depend on mutualistic relationships with protists. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding the environmental conditions of the abyssal zone?

<p>It can sustain photosynthetic organisms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of relationship do corals in shallower waters have with their protist partners?

<p>Mutualistic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Groundwater

Water that percolates into the subsoil and bedrock, stored in pores and fissures.

Aquifers

Groundwater reservoirs, often the source of drinking/irrigation water accessed through wells.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water from the land and oceans to the atmosphere and back.

Transpiration

Water evaporating from plants.

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Surface Runoff

Water flowing across the land surface into bodies of water.

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Percolation

Water seeping into the ground.

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Fossil Fuels

Stored carbon from plants and algae, used as energy sources.

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Carbon Cycle

The movement of carbon through the environment.

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Phosphate oceanic residence time

The average time a phosphate ion spends in the ocean, ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 years.

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Phosphate sources

Phosphate enters ecosystems from weathering rocks, volcanic activity, and surface/groundwater runoff.

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Phosphate's role in food webs

Phosphate is crucial for terrestrial and marine life, fueling various food chains.

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Eutrophication

Excessive growth of algae caused by excess phosphate and nitrogen in water.

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Dead Zone Formation

An area in lakes or oceans with low oxygen levels, causing fish kills.

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Dead zone cause

Excess phosphorus and nitrogen, often from fertilizer runoff, cause algae blooms, which lead to dead zones.

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Dead Zone Impact

Aquatic organisms die due to the lack of oxygen in the water.

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Dead zone location

Dead zones are commonly found near the mouths of rivers and in areas of high population areas.

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Terrestrial Biomes

Land-based ecosystems characterized by specific climate, plant, and animal life.

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Major Abiotic Factors for Biomes

Temperature and precipitation are the key factors determining which biome exists in a region.

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Tropical Rainforest

Warm, wet biome with high biodiversity, known for its lush vegetation and evergreen trees.

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Tropical Rainforest Characteristics

Characterized by broad-leaved trees that stay green year-round, with spreading roots for stability.

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Tropical Rainforest Biodiversity

The most diverse terrestrial biome, holding immense potential for medicine and science.

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Threats to Tropical Rainforests

Logging, agriculture, and deforestation are major threats to tropical rainforests and their incredible biodiversity.

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Biome Distribution by Climate

Similar climates can support similar biomes, even in geographically distinct locations.

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Polar Ice Caps and Mountains

Extreme cold and low precipitation make these areas unsuitable for typical biome classifications.

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Temperate Grasslands Fire Regime

The natural occurrence of fires in temperate grasslands, often ignited by lightning strikes and historically enhanced by human-set fires.

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Fire Suppression in Grasslands

The act of preventing natural fires in temperate grasslands, leading to changes in vegetation structure, often resulting in the dominance of shrubs and trees.

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Temperate Forest Biome

A biome found in mid-latitude regions with distinct seasons, characterized by deciduous trees, moderate rainfall, and rich soil.

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Deciduous Trees

Trees that lose their leaves seasonally, typically in the fall, and remain leafless in winter.

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Temperate Forest Productivity

The rate at which organic matter is produced in temperate forests, typically lower than tropical rainforests due to a dormant winter period.

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Temperate Forest Diversity

The variety of tree species in temperate forests, generally lower than tropical rainforests.

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Temperate Forest Soil

Soil in temperate forests characterized by higher levels of organic and inorganic nutrients compared to tropical rainforests due to leaf litter decomposition and reduced nutrient leaching.

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Temperate Grassland Restoration

The practice of managing temperate grasslands using controlled burns to suppress tree growth and maintain the dominance of grasses.

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Coral's Energy Source

Corals get most of their energy and nutrition from a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic protists.

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Coral Bleaching

When coral expels its symbiotic protists due to excessively warm water, it turns white and is called bleaching.

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Coral Reef Diversity

Coral reefs host a vast array of species, including fish, invertebrates, and algae.

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Coral Reef Formation

Coral reefs are formed over thousands of years by the accumulation of calcium carbonate skeletons from coral organisms.

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Coral Reef Threats

Climate change and human activities pose major threats to coral reefs, causing damage and bleaching.

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Planktivores

Organisms that feed on plankton, small organisms drifting in water.

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Cryptofauna

Invertebrates living within the hard structures of coral reefs.

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Predators in Coral Reefs

Predators in coral reefs hunt other animals, keeping the ecosystem balanced.

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Salt Lakes

Lakes in closed drainage basins concentrate salt, creating high salinity environments that support only specialized species.

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Marine Biomes

The vast, interconnected body of salt water, characterized by consistent salinity and diverse ecosystems.

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Coral Reefs

Unique marine ecosystems formed by colonies of tiny invertebrate animals called coral polyps, thriving in warm, clear water.

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Estuaries

Transitional zones where freshwater rivers meet salty oceans, creating a mix of both environments.

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Pelagic Realm

The open ocean waters, encompassing the entire water column from the surface to the ocean floor.

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Benthic Realm

The ocean floor, extending from the shoreline to the deepest parts of the ocean, home to diverse bottom-dwelling creatures.

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Photic Zone

The uppermost layer of the ocean where sunlight penetrates, allowing for photosynthesis by marine plants and algae.

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Aphotic Zone

The deeper parts of the ocean where sunlight cannot penetrate, creating a dark and cold environment.

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Ecosystem Types

Three main categories of ecosystems based on their environment: freshwater, marine, and terrestrial

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Competition in Ecosystems

Organisms compete for limited resources like food, water, space, and sunlight

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What influences community dynamics?

Climate (seasons, sunlight, rainfall), elevation, and geology all influence which organisms live in a habitat.

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Freshwater Ecosystem

Lakes, rivers, streams, and springs make up this ecosystem, comprising only 1.8% of Earth's surface.

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Marine Ecosystem

The most common type, making up 75% of Earth's surface, including shallow and deep ocean regions.

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Deep Ocean Importance

Despite limited diversity, deep ocean ecosystems support a variety of organisms and play a crucial role in photosynthesis, producing 40% of Earth's oxygen.

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Terrestrial Ecosystem

Land-based ecosystems divided into biomes, characterized by unique climate, plants, and animals.

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Biome Categories

Large categories of terrestrial ecosystems called biomes are determined by factors like climate and geography.

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Chaparral

A biome characterized by dense shrubs adapted to periodic fires, found in California, the Mediterranean, and southern Australia.

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Fire's Role in Chaparral

Fires are a natural part of the chaparral ecosystem, stimulating seed germination and nutrient fertilization.

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Temperate Grassland

A biome dominated by grasses with hot summers and cold winters, found in central North America (prairies) and Eurasia (steppes).

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Temperate Grassland Trees?

Temperate grasslands have few trees due to low precipitation, frequent fires, and grazing.

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Temperate Grassland Soil

Temperate grassland soils are fertile because of the dense root systems of grasses.

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Ocotillo

A desert plant with leaves that appear only after rainfall and are quickly shed.

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Biome Distribution

Similar climates around the world can support similar biomes, even if geographically separated.

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Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into a usable form, such as ammonia (NH3), for living organisms.

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Ammonification

The decomposition of organic nitrogenous waste, like animal waste or dead organisms, into ammonium (NH4+) by bacteria and fungi.

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Nitrification

The conversion of ammonium (NH4+) into nitrites (NO2-) and then nitrates (NO3-) by nitrifying bacteria.

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Denitrification

The process by which denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates (NO3-) back into nitrogen gas (N2), releasing it into the atmosphere.

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Human Impact on Nitrogen Cycle

Human activities like burning fossil fuels (releasing nitrogen oxides) and using fertilizers (washing nitrogen into waterways) can disrupt the nitrogen cycle.

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Nitrogen Oxides Impact

Nitrogen oxides contribute to acid rain (as nitric acid, HNO3) and the greenhouse effect (as nitrous oxide, N2O), impacting climate.

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What is nitrogen essential for?

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant and animal growth, playing a vital role in the production of proteins, DNA, and other organic molecules.

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Why is nitrogen often a limiting factor?

The availability of nitrogen, especially in usable forms, often limits plant growth and, consequently, primary production in ecosystems.

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Abyssal Zone

The deepest part of the ocean, characterized by high pressure, low oxygen, and cold temperatures.

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Chemosynthetic Bacteria

Bacteria that use chemicals like hydrogen sulfide as an energy source, forming the base of the food chain in deep-sea vents.

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Mutualistic Relationship

A relationship between two different species where both benefit from the interaction.

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What is the role of photosynthetic protists in coral reefs?

Photosynthetic protists live in a mutualistic relationship with corals, providing them with food and energy.

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What is coral bleaching?

When corals expel their photosynthetic protists due to stress (usually from warm water), causing them to turn white.

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What are the main threats to coral reefs?

Coral reefs are threatened by climate change, pollution, overfishing, and physical damage.

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What is the pelagic realm?

The open ocean waters, extending from the surface to the ocean floor, excluding the seabed.

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Abiotic Factors in Aquatic Biomes

Non-living factors that influence aquatic ecosystems, such as light, temperature, flow regime, and dissolved solids.

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Importance of Light in Aquatic Biomes

Light is crucial for aquatic ecosystems as it fuels photosynthesis, the process by which plants and algae produce food and oxygen.

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Water Temperature and Aquatic Life

Water temperature affects the growth rates of organisms and the availability of dissolved oxygen for respiration.

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Water Movement: Flow Regime

Moving water, found in rivers and currents, affects the distribution of nutrients and food resources.

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Dissolved Solids in Aquatic Biomes

Dissolved solids, like salts, create different environments for organisms to thrive in, from freshwater to marine ecosystems.

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Brackish Water Environments

These transitional zones occur where freshwater and saltwater meet, creating a unique environment with varying salt levels.

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Ocean Zones: Vertical Structure

The ocean is divided into different zones based on depth, light penetration, and temperature.

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Freshwater Biomes: Standing vs. Flowing

Freshwater biomes can be classified as standing water (lakes, ponds) or flowing water (rivers, streams), each with their own unique characteristics.

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Headwater Streams: The Source

Headwater streams are the starting points of rivers, arising at higher elevations with fast-flowing, clear water due to minimal silt and steep slopes.

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Headwater Sunlight & Algae

Sunlight reaches headwater streams, but tree cover often limits phytoplankton growth. Instead, algae attached to rocks are the primary producers in these swift currents.

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Falling Leaves: Energy Boost

Leaves falling into headwater streams decompose, releasing nutrients and supporting a food chain of invertebrates and fish.

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Adapting to Fast Flows

Animals in headwater streams have adaptations to thrive in the fast currents, such as flattened bodies, strong claws, and streamlined shapes.

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Downstream Changes: Widening River

As rivers flow away from their headwaters, they widen, slow down, and become warmer due to tributaries, lower gradients, and less shade.

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Silt & Sunlight: Clear to Cloudy

Silt deposition increases in wider, slower rivers, making the water less clear. Sunlight also penetrates deeper, leading to warmer temperatures.

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Headwater vs. Wider Rivers: Contrasting Habitats

Headwater streams offer clear, cold water, limited phytoplankton, and fast-moving currents, while wider rivers have warmer, less clear water with more silt and phytoplankton.

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Headwater to Mouth: An Ecosystem Shift

The flow of a river creates a gradient of conditions, with headwaters being distinct from wider rivers downstream, influencing the types of organisms that can thrive.

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Study Notes

Chapter 20: Ecosystems and the Biosphere

  • Ecosystem ecology builds on organismal, population, and community ecology
  • Ecosystem includes all biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components
  • Abiotic components: air, water, soil, climate
  • Ecosystem biologists study nutrient and energy flow between organisms and environment
  • Key examples: Karner blue butterfly and wild lupine (Figure 20.1) in an oak-pine barren habitat
  • Characteristic features include fire and nutrient-poor soil, low in nitrogen

20.1 Water's Energy Flow Through Ecosystems

  • Ecosystems vary in size (from tide pools to rainforests)
  • Differentiate between food chains and food webs
  • Food chains: linear sequences of who eats whom, with a single path
  • Food webs: interconnected feeding relationships where organisms interact in complex ways, indicating energy flow and transfer
  • Efficiency of energy transfer affects ecosystems (energy decreases at each trophic level)

20.2 Biogeochemical Cycles

  • Energy flows directionally, matter is recycled in ecosystems

  • Six most common elements: carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur

  • Biogeochemical cycles involve movement through living things and environment

  • Includes processes such as weathering, erosion, and subduction

  • Water cycle: Water moves and stores in the atmosphere, oceans, groundwater, and ice.

  • Important processes: evaporation, sublimation, condensation, precipitation, subsurface water flow, surface runoff

  • Water (essential), moves through biosphere and ecosystem (inorganic compounds)

20.3 Terrestrial Biomes

  • Biomes: Large-scale communities distinguished by dominant plant types
  • Biomes determined by temperature and rainfall
  • Include: tropical rainforest, savanna, desert, chaparral, temperate grassland, temperate forest, boreal forest, tundra.

20.4 Aquatic and Marine Biomes

  • Aquatic biomes: influenced by abiotic factors (light, temperature, flow regime, dissolved solids)
  • Ocean zones: Intertidal, neritic, aphotic
  • Different aquatic zones: freshwater (lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, wetlands), marine (coastal areas-estuaries, intertidal zone, neritic zone, oceanic zone)
  • Importance of light, temperature, and water movement on aquatic organisms and communities
  • Characteristics of standing water (lakes, ponds) and flowing water (rivers, streams)
  • Importance of abiotic and biotic factors influencing communities
  • Key concept: Corals and reefs: importance of their role, location and effects

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Chapter 20: Ecosystems and the Biosphere PDF

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This quiz explores Chapter 20 focusing on ecosystems and the biosphere. It covers key concepts such as nutrient and energy flow, the distinction between food chains and food webs, and the role of abiotic factors. You'll also learn about important examples like the Karner blue butterfly and wild lupine in specific habitats.

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