60 Questions
What is the primary factor that determines the conditions where organisms can live?
Climate
What is the result of convergent evolution?
Similar adaptations due to convergent evolution
What is the name of the permanently frozen soil found in the tundra biome?
Permafrost
What is the main limiting factor for growth in the tundra biome?
Precipitation
What is the purpose of climate diagrams?
To adjust for temperature limitations on growth
What is the term for local conditions that create a distinct set of conditions in one area compared to the surrounding landscape?
Microclimates
What determines the boundaries of a biome?
Climate and soil
What process drives climate at the large scale?
Sun radiation
How much more water is required for every 10 degrees Celsius increase in temperature?
2 cm
What determines the type of community that forms in a biome?
Climate conditions
In the tundra, which characteristic is most beneficial for plants?
Small leaves and dwarf sizes to conserve energy
What is the primary adaptation of conical shaped trees in the taiga?
To prevent high snow accumulation and breakage of branches
In the temperate rainforest, what is the purpose of epiphyte life?
To grow on other plants non-parasitically
What is the main difference between temperate seasonal forests and temperate rainforests?
Amount of rainfall
In the woodland/shrubland biome, what is the primary adaptation of plants?
Sclerophyllous leaves and short internodes
What is the main limiting factor for plant growth in tropical rainforests?
Temperature
What is the purpose of buttresses and aerial roots in tropical rainforest trees?
To stabilize the trees in wet environments
What is the primary adaptation of animals in the subtropical desert?
Nocturnal behavior and camouflage
What is a characteristic of aquatic biomes?
Water flow and depth
What is the riparian zone in lotic systems?
The area along the riverbank with high ecological importance
What is the term for the band of terrestrial vegetation affected by flooding and exchanges of nutrients near a stream?
Riparian zone
What is the primary reason for fish die-off in stratified lakes?
Lack of oxygen in the profundal zone
What is the term for the ability of plants to exchange gases between their shoots and roots?
Aerenchyma
What is the primary function of peat bogs in terms of carbon storage?
To store carbon and prevent its release into the atmosphere
What is the term for the area in a lake that is too deep to receive sunlight?
Profundal zone
What is the term for the mutualism between coral and algae in warm, shallow water?
Mutualism
What is the term for the zone of the ocean beyond the range of the lowest tidal level to depths of about 200 m?
Neritic zone
What is the term for the ability of organisms to cope with varying salinity conditions?
Euryhalinity
What is the term for the area of the ocean where sunlight cannot penetrate?
Aphotic zone
What is the term for the production of light by organisms in the ocean?
Bioluminescence
What is the primary reason for different communities forming in different geographic regions?
Different climates and soil types
What is the term for the phenomenon in which two species descended from unrelated ancestors look similar?
Convergent evolution
What is the main factor that affects the boundaries of a biome?
Climate and soil
What is the purpose of adjusting climate diagrams?
To make it easier to see what limits growth
What is the term for local conditions that create a distinct set of conditions in one area compared to the surrounding landscape?
Microclimate
What determines the type of community that forms in a biome?
Climate and soil organisms
What is the primary adaptation of organisms in the tundra biome?
Cold resistance
What is the term for the permanently frozen soil found in the tundra biome?
Permafrost
What drives climate at the regional and local scale?
Orography and rain shadow
What is the relationship between temperature and water requirements?
For every 10 degrees Celsius increase, 2 cm more water is required
What type of adaptation do plants like cattails possess to exchange gases between their shoots and roots?
Aerenchyma
What is the term for the shallow area around the edge of a lake or pond containing rooted vegetation?
Littoral zone
What is the term for the ability of organisms to cope with varying salinity conditions?
Euryhalinity
What is the term for the area in a lake that is too deep to receive sunlight?
Profundal zone
What is the term for the mutualism between coral and algae in warm, shallow water?
Coral reefs
What is the term for the band of terrestrial vegetation affected by flooding and exchanges of nutrients near a stream?
Riparian zone
What is the term for the zone of the ocean beyond the range of the lowest tidal level to depths of about 200 m?
Oceanic zone
What is the term for the production of light by organisms in the ocean?
Bioluminescence
What is the term for the area of the ocean where sunlight cannot penetrate?
Aphotic zone
What is the primary function of peat bogs in terms of carbon storage?
Carbon sequestration
What characteristic of tundra soil is most similar to that of boreal forest soil?
Acidic
What is the primary reason for the conical shape of trees in the taiga biome?
To prevent snow accumulation and breakage
Which biome is characterized by a 9-month growing season and slightly acidic soils with abundant organic matter?
Temperate seasonal forest
What is the primary adaptation of plants in the tropical rainforest to stabilize themselves in wet environments?
Buttresses and aerial roots
In which biome do plants have adaptations to conserve water and tolerate high temperatures, and animals have adaptations to burrow and avoid predators?
Subtropical desert
What is the primary characteristic of soils in the temperate rainforest?
Acidic
Which biome is characterized by a warm and rainy climate, with multiple layers of vegetation and a high biodiversity?
Tropical rainforest
What is the primary adaptation of animals in the tropical rainforest to avoid predators?
Camouflage and nocturnal habits
In which biome do plants have adaptations to resist drought and grazing, and animals have adaptations to migrate and feed on grasses?
Temperate grassland
What is the primary characteristic of the riparian zone in lotic systems?
Ecological importance
Study Notes
Biome Definition and Characteristics
- A geographic region containing communities of organisms with similar adaptations
- Similar adaptations can result from common ancestry or convergent evolution
Convergent Evolution
- Phenomenon where two species from unrelated ancestors look similar due to similar selective forces
Factors Influencing Biome Conditions
- Climate and soil determine the conditions where organisms can live
- For every 10°C increase, 2 cm of water is needed to meet water requirements
- Climate diagrams show the duration of the growing season and temperature of water limitation
Large Scale Climate Processes
- Sun radiation, Earth's rotation, and air currents drive climate
- Ocean currents also influence climate
Regional and Local Climate Processes
- Orography (topographic relief of mountains) and rain shadow affect climate
- Microclimates have local conditions that create distinct conditions in one area compared to the surrounding landscape
Soil and Biome Interactions
- Bedrock, climate, and soil organisms influence soil characteristics
- Soils vary across biomes, e.g., acidic, thin, and nutrient-poor in tundra, and acidic, low-fertility in boreal forests
Biome Types and Characteristics
Tundra
- 5-month growth season, limited by precipitation, then by temperature
- Permafrost, acidic, thin, and nutrient-poor soil
- Plants are short, and no trees
- Adaptations: small leaves, dwarf sizes, thick fur/feather, and camouflage
Boreal Forest (Taiga)
- 7-month growth season, limited by temperature
- Dense forest of evergreen needle-leaf trees
- Acidic, low-fertility soil, and large reservoir of organic C
- Adaptations: conical-shaped trees, insulation, and hibernation
Temperate Rainforest
- 8-month growth season, lots of rain, limited by temperature
- Evergreen trees, coastal areas, foggy summers, and mild rainy winters
- Adaptations: epiphyte life, leaf/moss nests, and decomposing organic matter
Temperate Seasonal Forest
- 9-month growth season, limited by temperature
- Most deciduous trees, soils slightly acidic with abundant organic matter
- Adaptations: deciduous leaves, hibernation, and migration
Woodland/Shrubland
- No limited growth season, hot and dry summers, mild winters
- Thick evergreen shrubs, Mediterranean landscapes, and fire-regulated environments
- Adaptations: sclerophyllous leaves, water conservation, and nocturnal habits
Temperate Grassland/Cold Deserts
- 8-month growth season, hot and dry summers, harsh winters
- Grasses and drought-adapted shrubs, prairies, and fire-regulated environments
- Adaptations: xerophytes, extensive root systems, digestive system, and burrowing behavior
Tropical Rainforest
- Year-long growth season, warm and rainy, limited by temperature
- Multiple layers of vegetation, dense understory, epiphytes, and vines, very high biodiversity
- Adaptations: buttresses, aerial roots, camouflage, and nocturnal habits
Tropical Forest/Savannah
- Year-round growth, limited by precipitation and temperature
- Deciduous trees and grasslands, savannah influenced by fires and grazing
- Adaptations: drought and grazing resistance, migration, and feeding adaptations
Subtropical Deserts
- Growth happens all year, hot temperature and little rain, limited by precipitation
- Little organic matter, shallow soils
- Adaptations: water storage, nocturnal, camouflage, and burrowing
Aquatic Biomes
Streams and Rivers
- Lotic systems, transporting sediments and pollutants
- Ecologically important riparian zone, with allochthonous and autochthonous inputs of organic matter
- Environmental problems: pollution, desiccation, dams, and overfishing
- Adaptations: morphology to fight current
Ponds and Lakes
- Lentic systems, with littoral, limnetic, and benthic zones
- Stratification: no mixing of waters, with warm surface and cooler denser water
- Adaptations: webbed feet, air bubbles
Freshwater Wetlands
- Standing water or water-saturated soils, with swamps, marshes, and bogs
- Very important natural water filters, with peat bogs storing carbon
- Adaptations: aerenchyma, spongy tissue for gas exchange
Salt Marshes and Estuaries
- Mix of fresh and saltwater, with sediment from rivers, and tidal marshes
- Very productive habitats, rapidly degraded with coastal development
- Adaptations: euryhalinity, ability to cope with varying salinity conditions
Mangrove Swamps
- Saltwater areas with salt-tolerant trees, key marine nurseries
- Adaptations: aerial roots, important for preventing coastal erosion
Intertidal Zones
- Band of land under the influence of ocean/sea tides
- Species adapted to changing conditions, with shorebirds specialized in feeding
- Adaptations: shells and anchors against wave action
Coral Reefs
- Marine biome in warm, shallow water, with coral and algae mutualism
- High biodiversity, with rising temperature causing coral bleaching
- Adaptations: manoeuvrability, laterally compressed bodies with fins
Open Ocean
- Neritic zone: high productivity, with oceanic zone having sparse nutrients
- Photic zone: top area with sufficient light for photosynthesis
- Aphotic zone: neritic and oceanic zones with little sunlight, less productive
- Benthic zone: seafloor
- Adaptations: bioluminescence, maneuverability
Biome Definition and Characteristics
- A geographic region containing communities of organisms with similar adaptations
- Similar adaptations can result from common ancestry or convergent evolution
Convergent Evolution
- Phenomenon where two species from unrelated ancestors look similar due to similar selective forces
Factors Influencing Biome Conditions
- Climate and soil determine the conditions where organisms can live
- For every 10°C increase, 2 cm of water is needed to meet water requirements
- Climate diagrams show the duration of the growing season and temperature of water limitation
Large Scale Climate Processes
- Sun radiation, Earth's rotation, and air currents drive climate
- Ocean currents also influence climate
Regional and Local Climate Processes
- Orography (topographic relief of mountains) and rain shadow affect climate
- Microclimates have local conditions that create distinct conditions in one area compared to the surrounding landscape
Soil and Biome Interactions
- Bedrock, climate, and soil organisms influence soil characteristics
- Soils vary across biomes, e.g., acidic, thin, and nutrient-poor in tundra, and acidic, low-fertility in boreal forests
Biome Types and Characteristics
Tundra
- 5-month growth season, limited by precipitation, then by temperature
- Permafrost, acidic, thin, and nutrient-poor soil
- Plants are short, and no trees
- Adaptations: small leaves, dwarf sizes, thick fur/feather, and camouflage
Boreal Forest (Taiga)
- 7-month growth season, limited by temperature
- Dense forest of evergreen needle-leaf trees
- Acidic, low-fertility soil, and large reservoir of organic C
- Adaptations: conical-shaped trees, insulation, and hibernation
Temperate Rainforest
- 8-month growth season, lots of rain, limited by temperature
- Evergreen trees, coastal areas, foggy summers, and mild rainy winters
- Adaptations: epiphyte life, leaf/moss nests, and decomposing organic matter
Temperate Seasonal Forest
- 9-month growth season, limited by temperature
- Most deciduous trees, soils slightly acidic with abundant organic matter
- Adaptations: deciduous leaves, hibernation, and migration
Woodland/Shrubland
- No limited growth season, hot and dry summers, mild winters
- Thick evergreen shrubs, Mediterranean landscapes, and fire-regulated environments
- Adaptations: sclerophyllous leaves, water conservation, and nocturnal habits
Temperate Grassland/Cold Deserts
- 8-month growth season, hot and dry summers, harsh winters
- Grasses and drought-adapted shrubs, prairies, and fire-regulated environments
- Adaptations: xerophytes, extensive root systems, digestive system, and burrowing behavior
Tropical Rainforest
- Year-long growth season, warm and rainy, limited by temperature
- Multiple layers of vegetation, dense understory, epiphytes, and vines, very high biodiversity
- Adaptations: buttresses, aerial roots, camouflage, and nocturnal habits
Tropical Forest/Savannah
- Year-round growth, limited by precipitation and temperature
- Deciduous trees and grasslands, savannah influenced by fires and grazing
- Adaptations: drought and grazing resistance, migration, and feeding adaptations
Subtropical Deserts
- Growth happens all year, hot temperature and little rain, limited by precipitation
- Little organic matter, shallow soils
- Adaptations: water storage, nocturnal, camouflage, and burrowing
Aquatic Biomes
Streams and Rivers
- Lotic systems, transporting sediments and pollutants
- Ecologically important riparian zone, with allochthonous and autochthonous inputs of organic matter
- Environmental problems: pollution, desiccation, dams, and overfishing
- Adaptations: morphology to fight current
Ponds and Lakes
- Lentic systems, with littoral, limnetic, and benthic zones
- Stratification: no mixing of waters, with warm surface and cooler denser water
- Adaptations: webbed feet, air bubbles
Freshwater Wetlands
- Standing water or water-saturated soils, with swamps, marshes, and bogs
- Very important natural water filters, with peat bogs storing carbon
- Adaptations: aerenchyma, spongy tissue for gas exchange
Salt Marshes and Estuaries
- Mix of fresh and saltwater, with sediment from rivers, and tidal marshes
- Very productive habitats, rapidly degraded with coastal development
- Adaptations: euryhalinity, ability to cope with varying salinity conditions
Mangrove Swamps
- Saltwater areas with salt-tolerant trees, key marine nurseries
- Adaptations: aerial roots, important for preventing coastal erosion
Intertidal Zones
- Band of land under the influence of ocean/sea tides
- Species adapted to changing conditions, with shorebirds specialized in feeding
- Adaptations: shells and anchors against wave action
Coral Reefs
- Marine biome in warm, shallow water, with coral and algae mutualism
- High biodiversity, with rising temperature causing coral bleaching
- Adaptations: manoeuvrability, laterally compressed bodies with fins
Open Ocean
- Neritic zone: high productivity, with oceanic zone having sparse nutrients
- Photic zone: top area with sufficient light for photosynthesis
- Aphotic zone: neritic and oceanic zones with little sunlight, less productive
- Benthic zone: seafloor
- Adaptations: bioluminescence, maneuverability
Explore the concept of biomes, communities of organisms with similar adaptations, and how convergent evolution shapes their development. Learn about the factors that influence the formation of different biomes and their boundaries.
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