Earth Systems Overview
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Questions and Answers

What percentage of the Earth's water is fresh?

  • 70%
  • 3% (correct)
  • 1%
  • 30%

Which component of Earth systems is responsible for protecting the planet from radiation?

  • Geosphere
  • Atmosphere (correct)
  • Biosphere
  • Hydrosphere

What forms of water are included in the hydrosphere?

  • Ice, liquid, and vapor (correct)
  • Only surface water
  • Only frozen water
  • Only liquid water

Which statement accurately describes biodiversity?

<p>It includes all species, including bacteria. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the geosphere in Earth's systems?

<p>Provides structural and nutrient support (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is a characteristic of ecosystems?

<p>Biotic and abiotic components interact to form a bubble of life. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of the biosphere?

<p>All forms of life (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Earth's water is saline?

<p>97% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of Earth's systems includes air and drives ocean currents?

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

What is a key threat to biodiversity?

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

Which of the following is not considered an abiotic component of ecosystems?

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

What process is primarily responsible for the cycling of nutrients such as carbon and nitrogen in ecosystems?

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

Which of the following factors is not directly related to the climate component of ecosystems?

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

In the context of geological time, which of the following best describes the term 'relative time'?

<p>Comparative measures of how fast or slow geological events occur (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which abiotic factor plays a crucial role in the rates of weathering in ecosystems?

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

Which of the following defines the primary energy transformation sequence in ecosystems?

<p>Solar &gt; chemical &gt; mechanical &gt; infrared (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which biotic component of ecosystems primarily contributes to nutrient cycling?

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

What is the main effect of time relative to ecosystems?

<p>It affects the size and complexity of ecosystems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a factor that affects soil properties in an ecosystem?

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

What is the primary source of food for herbivores in tide pools?

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

How do carnivores in tide pools obtain their food?

<p>Preying on other animals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of an ecosystem is affected by changes in temperature?

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

What is an organism?

<p>Any form of life (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of an ecosystem?

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

What occurs as a result of the balance in an ecosystem?

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

What is the process of forming sedimentary rocks called?

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

Which of the following is part of the realms of ecology?

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

Which of these factors does NOT influence ecosystem components?

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

What type of rock is formed under heat and pressure?

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

What geological process involves the burial, compaction, and cementation of sediments?

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

Which rock types primarily compose the Precambrian Shield?

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

During which geological period did the majority of central Ontario get covered by a semi-tropical ocean?

<p>400 million years ago (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major geological event occurred between 2 million and 12,000 years ago in Ontario?

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

What defines a physiographic region?

<p>An area with consistent bedrock geology, soils, slope, and morphology (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What geological feature is characterized by flat-lying limestone and shales in southern Ontario?

<p>St. Lawrence Lowlands (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which region of Ontario is primarily underlain by flat-lying sedimentary rocks and extensive wetland areas?

<p>Hudson Bay Lowlands (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ecological effect did the glacial period have on the limestone layers in Ontario?

<p>Erosion of limestone layers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Precambrian Shield is true?

<p>It is the largest physiographic region in Ontario. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary contributing factor for the rich alkaline soils in the St. Lawrence Lowlands?

<p>The deposition of glacial sediments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Earth: The Blue Planet

The only planet in our solar system with abundant liquid water, essential for all life.

Earth Systems Science

The study of Earth's systems including its atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere, and how they interact.

Atmosphere

The layer of gas that surrounds Earth, protecting us from radiation, regulating temperature, and driving ocean currents.

Hydrosphere

All the water on Earth in all its forms: liquid, ice, and vapor. Includes oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, and ice.

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Geosphere

The solid Earth, including rocks, minerals, landforms, and the Earth's interior.

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Biosphere

All living things on Earth, from bacteria to blue whales, including humans. It's made up of biomes with diverse ecosystems.

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Ecosystem

A geographical area where living and non-living components interact to form a bubble of life. Examples include forests, oceans, and deserts.

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Ecology

The study of how living organisms interact with each other and their environment.

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Biodiversity

The variety of life on Earth, including the different species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity.

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Functional Scale

The different levels of organization in an ecosystem, from atoms to molecules, cells, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the entire biosphere.

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What is an Ecosystem?

A community of living organisms and their non-living environment, interacting as a functional unit.

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What is a Population?

A group of organisms of the same species living in the same area.

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What is an Organism?

Any form of life, from bacteria to whales.

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What is Ecology?

The study of how living organisms interact with each other and their environment.

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Ecosystem and Continual Change

Changes in one part of the ecosystem can ripple throughout the entire system, affecting other organisms and their environment.

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Adaptation

The process where organisms change their behaviors or characteristics to survive in a new environment.

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Igneous Rocks

Igneous rocks are formed when molten rock (magma or lava) cools and solidifies.

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Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation and cementation of sediments.

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Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks are transformed by heat and pressure.

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What is the Rock Cycle?

The continuous process of transformation between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

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Abiotic Components

The non-living components of an ecosystem, including things like rocks, water, air, and sunlight.

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Biotic Components

The living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microbes.

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Energy Cycling

The process by which energy is transferred through an ecosystem, starting with sunlight and moving through producers, consumers, and decomposers.

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Nutrient Cycling

The continuous movement of essential nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus through an ecosystem.

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Time in Ecosystems

The way that time scales influence different processes within an ecosystem. For example, a fast-growing plant might experience time differently than a glacier.

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Weathering

The breakdown or disintegration of rocks and minerals due to natural processes like weathering and erosion.

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Bedrock

The solid, non-living part of the Earth's crust that forms the foundation of ecosystems.

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Soil

The mixture of mineral particles, organic matter, air, and water that supports plant life.

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Hydrology

The movement and distribution of water through an ecosystem, including surface water like rivers and lakes, and ground water.

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Lithification

The process of transforming sediments into solid rock through compaction (squeezing) and cementation (binding).

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Igneous Rock Formation

The formation of new rocks from molten rock (magma or lava) as it cools and solidifies.

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Metamorphism

The transformation of existing rocks, such as igneous or sedimentary rocks, by intense heat and pressure.

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Erosion

The movement of weathered rock materials by wind, water, or ice.

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Precambrian Shield

The geological feature that forms the foundation of Ontario, primarily composed of Precambrian granite and gneiss.

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Ontario's Glacial History

A period of widespread glaciation across Canada, including Ontario, which dramatically shaped the landscape.

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Physiographic Region

A region characterized by consistent geology, soils, slope, and landform features.

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St. Lawrence Lowlands

The flat, interior platform of southern Ontario, dominated by limestone and shale, formed by glacial activity.

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Hudson Bay Lowlands

Lowland plains in northern Ontario, underlain by sedimentary rocks sloping towards Hudson and James Bays with extensive wetlands.

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Study Notes

Overview of Earth Systems

  • Ecology and Environment is a study of Earth's systems, including its atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere
  • The "Pale Blue Dot" refers to Earth's unique position as the only planet in our Solar System with abundant liquid water, essential for life. 70% of Earth's surface is water

Earth Systems Science

  • Earth System Science is the study of the interactions between the atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
  • Each system plays a critical role, making up Earth’s complex and interconnected natural systems
  • These systems work together to form a complex network of interactions
  • The systems have a continuous cycle

Hydrosphere

  • The hydrosphere encompasses all water on Earth, in all forms (solid, liquid, gaseous).
  • 97% of Earth's water is saltwater. The remaining 3% is freshwater, mostly frozen.
  • Water is essential for all life on Earth.
  • Water is critical for human survival, vital for drinking, washing, and manufacturing

Atmosphere

  • The atmosphere is a thin layer of gases surrounding the Earth. It provides us with air to breathe, protects from radiation, and helps regulate temperature and drives ocean currents

Geosphere

  • The geosphere includes the Earth's solid surface and interior
  • It comprises rocks, minerals, and landforms, and it supports life on Earth.
  • The geosphere is vital for structural and nutrient support for life on Earth
  • The geosphere is deeply connected to the other Earth systems, such as erosion, weathering, and the rock cycle

Biosphere

  • The biosphere encompasses all living organisms on Earth. This ranges from bacteria to whales.
  • They exist in biomes, such as diverse ecosystems, and contain a great deal of biodiversity
  • The organisms are interdependent on each other and on the environment

Functional Scale

  • An ecosystem is a geographic area where biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components interact and form complex systems
  • The scope of study ranges from the universal to the atomic levels, demonstrating the interconnectedness of these elements

Ecosystem Components

  • Ecosystems are made up of interacting abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) components
  • Key abiotic components include bedrock geology, soils (minerals, particles, organic material), water, air, and solar energy
  • Key biotic components include plants, animals, and microbes
  • Important factors in the components are weathering factors, mineral particles, surface water, soil, hydrology, ground water, temperature, humidity, solar energy, and wind

Natural Nutrient Flows

  • Natural nutrient flows in an ecosystem are crucial for primary production
  • Nutrients are cycled between the atmosphere, plants, soil, and ground water

Types of Rocks

  • Igneous rocks form from cooling magma (or lava).
  • Sedimentary rocks form from sediments deposited and compressed over time.
  • Metamorphic rocks are formed by changing existing rock types through heat and pressure. The rock cycle demonstrates how these types of rocks change and relate to each other.

Ontario's Geological History

  • Ontario's geology is layered.
  • Rocks from different periods are stacked one on top of another
  • There are sedimentary rocks like limestones, and metamorphic rocks such as granites and gneiss

Physiographic Regions

  • Ontario has different physiographic regions reflecting its varied geology, soils, landforms, and slopes

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Related Documents

Ecology and Environment Lecture 1 PDF

Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of Earth Systems, including the interactions among the atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Discover critical insights about Earth's unique position in the Solar System and the importance of water for life on our planet.

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