Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to a watershed's boundary?
Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to a watershed's boundary?
- The elevation of the land
- The presence of a river or stream
- The amount of precipitation (correct)
- The direction of water flow
Which of the following is NOT considered an abiotic factor?
Which of the following is NOT considered an abiotic factor?
- Water availability
- Temperature
- Sunlight
- Competition between species (correct)
What is the significance of the 'optimum range' for a species?
What is the significance of the 'optimum range' for a species?
- It indicates the maximum population size a species can reach.
- It identifies the specific habitat where a species evolved.
- It represents the area where a species has the highest chance of survival. (correct)
- It defines the boundaries of a species' geographical distribution.
Which layer of the Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer, vital for filtering harmful radiation?
Which layer of the Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer, vital for filtering harmful radiation?
What is the primary source of energy that drives the processes within Earth's ecosystems?
What is the primary source of energy that drives the processes within Earth's ecosystems?
Based on the information provided, identify the layer of the Earth's atmosphere that directly influences life on Earth.
Based on the information provided, identify the layer of the Earth's atmosphere that directly influences life on Earth.
What is the main driver of the distribution of global ecosystems?
What is the main driver of the distribution of global ecosystems?
Which of the following is an example of how an abiotic factor can act as a limiting factor for a species within an aquatic ecosystem?
Which of the following is an example of how an abiotic factor can act as a limiting factor for a species within an aquatic ecosystem?
Flashcards
Atmosphere
Atmosphere
The layer of gases around Earth, vital for life, contains Oâ‚‚ and Nâ‚‚.
Hydrosphere
Hydrosphere
All water on Earth, including liquid, gas, and ice; involved in processes like evaporation and precipitation.
Geosphere
Geosphere
The solid part of Earth, including the crust and mantle; forms landscapes and earth features.
Biosphere
Biosphere
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Ecology
Ecology
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Range of Tolerance
Range of Tolerance
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Limiting Factor Principle
Limiting Factor Principle
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Optimum Range
Optimum Range
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Study Notes
The Spheres
- Atmosphere: Layers of gases (Oâ‚‚ + Nâ‚‚), all life found in troposphere
- Troposphere: Sea level to 10m above surface
- Stratosphere: Ozone (O₃) filters gases; pressure decreases with altitude
- Hydrosphere: Liquid to gas (evaporation), gas to liquid (condensation), precipitation (water falls) - water infiltration, runoff, and percolation (movement through).
- Geosphere: Outermost layer-crust, mantle (largest volume/mass), watershed-basin.
- Biosphere: Life (2 million types). Species richness (# different species), species abundance (# of each species), niche (role of organism). Biodiversity is a measure of environmental health.
Ecology Basics
- Ecology: Study of ecosystems
- Ecosystems involve abiotic (nonliving) and biotic (living) factors
- Interactions within a particular region, influenced by contributions from the sun
Energy and Life Support
- Thermal energy (heat) supports life
- Photosynthesis: Plants use light energy to make food
- Patterns of weather and climate (wind patterns, temperature)
- Nutrient cycling (water and wind currents): Distribution of global ecosystems
Tolerance and Distribution
- Climate patterns affect ecosystem distributions
- Long-term trends in temperature & precipitation. Species adaptation to global change
- Range of tolerance: How an abiotic factor affects a species.
- Abiotic factor (on x-axis); species (on y-axis)
- Optimum range: Species thrives; beyond this species is under stress. Zones of intolerance. How species react to global change is essential.
Limiting Factor Principle
- Abiotic factors often have a larger impact compared to others.
- If an abiotic factor (limiting factor) is outside the optimal range for a species. Population declining in response to changes
- Example: Dissolved oxygen in aquatic ecosystems, 4-6 parts per million needed; if lower, life in the system ceases.
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