Environmental Science Chapter 6
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Questions and Answers

What is a biome?

  • A single ecosystem
  • A type of weather
  • A group of ecosystems that share similar abiotic and biotic conditions (correct)
  • A geographic location

What is climate?

The average conditions, including temperature and precipitation, over long periods in a given area.

What does weather refer to?

Day-to-day conditions in Earth's atmosphere.

What is a climograph?

<p>Climate diagrams that describe the conditions in a biome.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is net primary production?

<p>The organic matter, or biomass, that remains after cellular respiration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a canopy in a forest?

<p>When trees grow densely and form a covering that keeps the forest floor damp and dark.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an emergent layer?

<p>The top layer of trees that pop up above the canopy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does understory refer to in a forest?

<p>The layer of shorter trees and plants that compete for available light.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are epiphytes?

<p>Plants that grow on other plants instead of in soil to take advantage of their host's height and gain access to sunlight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when trees are described as deciduous?

<p>Trees that lose their leaves and stop photosynthesis during part of the year.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is estivation?

<p>When some animals enter a deep, sleep-like period of dormancy during dry periods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes coniferous trees?

<p>Trees that produce seed-bearing cones and do not lose their leaves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is hibernation?

<p>The deep sleep-like state that an animal enters for most of the winter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does permafrost refer to?

<p>Permanently frozen soil.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is salinity?

<p>A measurement of the amount of salts dissolved in water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the photic zone?

<p>The uppermost layer of an aquatic ecosystem where there is enough sunlight for photosynthesis to occur.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the aphotic zone?

<p>The layer below the photic zone in an aquatic ecosystem where sunlight cannot penetrate and photosynthesis cannot occur.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the benthic zone?

<p>The bottom layer in an aquatic ecosystem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the littoral zone?

<p>A shallow, near-shore portion of the photic zone where plants can grow in the mud.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the limnetic zone?

<p>The portion of the photic zone that is farther from shore where no roots can be planted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a wetland?

<p>An area of land that is flooded with water for some part of the year.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a floodplain?

<p>An area alongside a river that periodically floods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an estuary?

<p>An ecosystem located where a river flows into the ocean, where fresh and salt water mix.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is upwelling in an ocean context?

<p>The flow of cold, nutrient-rich water towards the surface of the ocean.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is net primary productivity?

<p>The rate at which primary producers convert energy to biomass.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does gross primary production refer to?

<p>The rate at which primary producers carry out the conversion of energy over a given unit of time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors contribute to variation within biomes?

<p>Soil type, wind exposure, elevation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limits aquatic net primary production?

<p>Limited to the sunlight and nutrients available.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a tropical rain forest?

<p>Constant moist periods and warm temperatures, with many layers of plants and a high biodiversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a tropical dry forest?

<p>Characterized by very seasonal rain and steady warm temperatures, predominantly having deciduous trees.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a savanna?

<p>A type of tropical grassland with seasonal rain and fairly steady warm temperatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a desert biome?

<p>The driest biome, located in hot regions with diverse plant adaptations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a temperate rain forest?

<p>Characterized by heavy rainfall and year-round moderate temperatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a temperate forest typically like?

<p>Deciduous trees and mainly moist conditions throughout the year.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a temperate grassland?

<p>Moderate seasonal precipitation with common fires and droughts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does chaparral refer to?

<p>Very seasonal with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, characterized by shrubs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a boreal forest?

<p>Long, cold winters and short, cool summers with coniferous trees.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the tundra biome known for?

<p>Extremely cold and dry winters, with nutrient-poor soil limiting plant growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best describes polar ice?

<p>Not a biome; soil has very little organic content since it is permanently covered in ice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique climatic scenario do mountains create?

<p>Elevation causes rapid climate change, affecting multiple biomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors characterize aquatic biomes?

<p>Salinity, water depth, and whether the water is standing or moving.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does brackish water refer to?

<p>Water that is very salty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does depth affect aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Depth affects life and temperature; some animals breathe air and live in upper zones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are freshwater marshes?

<p>Shallow wetlands with grass-like plants, usually cattails.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines swamps?

<p>Shallow wetlands, rich in mainly tree vegetation, with no grasses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are bogs and fens?

<p>Wetlands with low nutrients, acidic water, and thick, floating mats of vegetation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are tributaries?

<p>A smaller river flowing into a larger one.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a watershed?

<p>An area of land drained of all rivers and tributaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does meander refer to in river systems?

<p>A curve in a river.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines mangrove forests?

<p>Forests that contain special trees with roots curving upwards to attain oxygen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes salt marshes?

<p>Grassy ecosystems that provide habitats for many organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is downwelling?

<p>The transfer of warm water rich in dissolved gases from the surface into the ocean depths.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the intertidal zone?

<p>Where the ocean meets the land; tides are caused by the pull of the moon and sun.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the neritic zone?

<p>Extends from low tide to the end of the continental shelf, completely lit by sunlight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the open-ocean zone?

<p>Begins at the end of the continental shelf, most of the ocean, and is one of the least productive zones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Biome

A group of ecosystems sharing similar abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) conditions.

Climate

Average weather conditions over an extended period, including temperature and precipitation.

Weather

Daily atmospheric conditions such as temperature, wind, and precipitation.

Climatograph

Diagrams illustrating climate conditions within biomes, showing temperature and precipitation patterns.

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Canopy

A dense layer of tree growth forming a cover, creating a cool and dark environment on the forest floor.

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Emergent Layer

The uppermost layer of trees that rise above the canopy.

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Understory

The layer of shorter trees and plants that grow beneath the canopy, competing for sunlight.

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Epiphyte

Plants that grow on other plants, relying on those plants for support and access to sunlight.

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Deciduous Trees

Trees that shed their leaves seasonally, typically during cooler or drier periods.

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Coniferous Trees

Trees that produce seed-bearing cones and retain their leaves year-round.

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Estivation

A dormant state in animals that occurs during dry periods, allowing them to conserve energy.

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Hibernation

A deep sleep state in animals that occurs during winter, allowing them to conserve energy and survive harsh conditions.

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Photic Zone

The upper layer of aquatic ecosystems where sunlight penetrates sufficiently for photosynthesis.

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Aphotic Zone

The layer below the photic zone where sunlight does not penetrate, resulting in darkness.

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Benthic Zone

The bottom layer of aquatic ecosystems, which is often covered in sediment.

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Littoral Zone

The shallow, near-shore portion of the photic zone where plants can grow rooted in mud.

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Limnetic Zone

The part of the photic zone that is farther from shore and lacks rooted plants.

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Wetland

Waterlogged areas, including bogs, marshes, fens, and swamps, that play a vital role in recharging aquifers and providing habitat for diverse species.

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Flood Plain

Areas alongside rivers that are prone to periodic flooding, creating fertile soil and unique ecosystems.

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Estuary

Ecosystems where fresh and saltwater mix, often at river mouths, creating a unique environment.

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Upwelling

The flow of cold, nutrient-rich water towards the ocean surface, promoting phytoplankton growth and supporting marine ecosystems.

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Net Primary Production

The amount of biomass remaining after cellular respiration in primary producers, indicating the overall productivity of an ecosystem.

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Gross Primary Production

The total rate of energy conversion by primary producers, including both the energy used for respiration and the energy stored as biomass.

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Tropical Rain Forest

A biome characterized by high moisture, warm temperatures, diverse life, nutrient-poor soil, and multi-layered plant growth.

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Tropical Dry Forest

A biome with seasonal rain, warm temperatures, mostly deciduous trees, and animals that estivate during dry periods.

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Savanna

A tropical grassland biome with seasonal rainfall and strong winds, promoting deep-rooted vegetation and supporting large grazing animals.

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Desert

The driest biome on Earth, characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations, diverse drought-adapted flora and fauna, and limited vegetation.

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Temperate Rain Forest

A biome with heavy rainfall, moderate temperatures, and rich biodiversity, dominated by coniferous trees.

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Temperate Forest

A biome characterized by deciduous trees dominant in regions with moist conditions and experiencing freezing winters.

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Temperate Grassland

A biome with moderate precipitation, fertile soil, and diverse grasses, ideal for agriculture and supporting large herds of grazing animals.

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Chaparral

A biome with seasonal climate, mild, wet winters, and fire-tolerant vegetation, dominated by shrubs and adapted fauna.

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Boreal Forest

A biome characterized by long winters, short summers, acidic soils, and coniferous trees with adaptations to seasonal variations.

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Tundra

A biome with cold, dry winters, permafrost soil, limited plant life, and animals adapted for insulation and migration.

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Study Notes

Biomes and Ecosystems

  • Biome: Groupings of ecosystems sharing similar abiotic and biotic conditions.
  • Climate: Average weather conditions, including temperature and precipitation, over extended periods.
  • Weather: Daily atmospheric conditions.

Environmental Structures

  • Climatograph: Diagrams illustrating climate conditions within biomes.
  • Canopy: Dense tree growth forming a cover, maintaining damp and dark conditions on the forest floor.
  • Emergent Layer: The uppermost layer of trees that rise above the canopy.
  • Understory: Layer of shorter trees and plants competing for light.

Plant and Animal Adaptations

  • Epiphyte: Plants that grow on other plants to access sunlight, rather than in soil.
  • Deciduous Trees: Trees shedding leaves and stopping photosynthesis during seasonal changes.
  • Coniferous Trees: Trees producing seed-bearing cones, retaining leaves year-round.

Dormancy and Climate Responses

  • Estivation: Dormant state in animals during dry periods.
  • Hibernation: Deep sleep state in animals during winter.

Aquatic Zones

  • Photic Zone: Upper layer of aquatic ecosystems with sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis.
  • Aphotic Zone: Layer below the photic zone where sunlight does not penetrate.
  • Benthic Zone: Bottom layer of aquatic ecosystems.
  • Littoral Zone: Shallow, near-shore portion of the photic zone where plants grow in mud.
  • Limnetic Zone: Part of the photic zone farther from shore, lacks rooted plants.

Wetlands and Flooding Areas

  • Wetland: Waterlogged areas, including bogs, marshes, fens, and swamps, which recharge aquifers and provide habitats.
  • Flood Plain: Areas alongside rivers that are prone to periodic flooding.
  • Estuary: Ecosystem where fresh and saltwater mix, often at river mouths.

Nutrient Dynamics

  • Upwelling: Flow of cold, nutrient-rich water towards the ocean surface.
  • Net Primary Production: Biomass remaining after cellular respiration; indicates ecosystem productivity.
  • Gross Primary Production: Total energy conversion rate by primary producers.

Biomes Overview

  • Tropical Rain Forest: High moisture, warm temperatures, diverse life, nutrient-poor soil, and multi-layered plant growth.
  • Tropical Dry Forest: Seasonal rain, warm temperatures, mostly deciduous trees, and animals that estivate.
  • Savanna: Tropical grassland with seasonal rainfall and strong winds, promoting deep-rooted vegetation.
  • Desert: Driest biome with extreme temperature fluctuations, diverse drought-adapted flora and fauna.
  • Temperate Rain Forest: Heavy rainfall, moderate temperatures, and rich biodiversity involving coniferous trees.
  • Temperate Forest: Deciduous trees dominant in regions with moist conditions, experiencing freezing winters.
  • Temperate Grassland: Moderate precipitation with fertile soil, ideal for agriculture and accommodating grasses.
  • Chaparral: Seasonal climate with mild, wet winters; dominated by shrubs and adapted fauna.
  • Boreal Forest: Long winters and short summers, acidic soils, and coniferous trees with adaptations to seasonal variations.
  • Tundra: Cold, dry winters, permafrost soil, limited plant life, and animals adapted for insulation and migration.
  • Polar Ice: Not a biome; characterised by permanent ice covers and minimal organic activity.

Aquatic Environment Characteristics

  • Aquatic Biome Factors: Salinity, water depth, and currents significantly influence life forms within these ecosystems.
  • Brackish Water: Water with higher salinity than freshwater but lower than seawater.
  • Freshwater Marshes: Wetlands rich in grass-like vegetation.
  • Swamps: Wetlands with abundant tree cover, lacking grass.
  • Bogs and Fens: Low-nutrient wetlands with acidic water.

River and Coastal Ecosystems

  • Tributaries: Smaller rivers feeding into larger ones.
  • Watershed: Land area drained by a river and its tributaries.
  • Meander: Curved sections of a river forming over time.

Coastal and Oceanic Zones

  • Mangrove Forests: Coastal forests with root systems that adapt to fluctuating water levels and provide habitats for diverse organisms.
  • Salt Marshes: Grassy ecosystems that filter pollution and stabilize shorelines.
  • Downwelling: Transfer of warm, nutrient-rich surface water into deeper ocean layers.
  • Intertidal Zone: Area where ocean meets land, influenced by tides and vulnerable to diverse aquatic and terrestrial predators.
  • Nertic Zone: Sunlit coastal waters supporting kelp forests and coral reefs.
  • Open-Ocean Zone: Largest ocean area, characterized by limited productivity reliant on phytoplankton and manufactured nutrients.

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This quiz focuses on key terms from Environmental Science Chapter 6, including concepts like biomes, climate, and weather. It aims to enhance your understanding of ecological systems and their characteristics. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their knowledge.

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