Environmental Science: Ecosystems and Cycles
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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic feature of tropical rainforests regarding precipitation?

  • They only receive rainfall during specific seasons.
  • They have extremely low humidity levels.
  • They have wet months with over 30 cm of precipitation. (correct)
  • They experience consistent rainfall throughout the year.

Why do tropical rainforests have high net primary productivity?

  • Annual temperatures and precipitation values support rapid plant growth. (correct)
  • They have low temperatures that allow for soil nutrients retention.
  • They have a long dry season that encourages growth.
  • Their soils are rich in organic matter.

What is a significant environmental challenge faced by tropical rainforests?

  • Inconsistent rainfall throughout the year.
  • The soil is rich in nutrients.
  • Drought conditions that promote soil health.
  • High rainfall leaches nutrients from the soil quickly. (correct)

Which layer of vegetation is found at the top of a tropical rainforest?

<p>Closed upper canopy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation do tropical dry forests have during the dry season?

<p>Loss of leaves allows sunlight to reach the ground. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes tropical rainforests from tropical dry forests?

<p>Tropical rainforests experience more rainfall and a lack of dry season. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately represents the habitat structures within tropical rainforests?

<p>Vertical layering creates distinct habitats for various animals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which regions are extensive tropical dry forests commonly found?

<p>Africa, India, southern Mexico, and South America. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary type of tree found in temperate forests?

<p>Deciduous trees (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 less than that of tropical rainforests. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor contributing to the nutrient richness of temperate forest soils?

<p>Thick leaf litter layer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What climate characteristics define boreal forests?

<p>Cold, dry winters and short, cool, wet summers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the temperatures in temperate forests?

<p>Temperatures range between –30oC and 30oC (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which biome is characterized by the prevalence of cold-tolerant cone-bearing plants?

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

What aspect allows more sunlight to reach the ground in temperate forests compared to tropical rainforests?

<p>Lower density of trees (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What form of precipitation predominantly affects the boreal forest?

<p>Snow during long winters (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the soils in the Arctic tundra?

<p>They are often perennially frozen, known as permafrost. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which season does the Arctic tundra experience a burst of productivity?

<p>Summer, with the melting of permafrost. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to low net primary productivity in the Arctic tundra?

<p>Limited sunlight and short growing season. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of plants primarily dominate the tundra landscape during the growing season?

<p>Low shrubs, grasses, lichens, and small flowering plants. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does permafrost have on the decay of organic matter in the Arctic tundra?

<p>Prevents decay and inhibits nutrient release. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In aquatic biomes, which abiotic factor is not typically associated with terrestrial ecosystems?

<p>Light absorption by water. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a characteristic of the aquatic medium compared to air?

<p>Allows for more oxygen availability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to sunlight as depth in a body of water increases?

<p>It diminishes until it cannot reach a certain depth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines the majority of the ocean?

<p>It is aphotic and lacks sufficient light for photosynthesis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the intertidal zone?

<p>Organisms in this zone must adapt to both dry and wet conditions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the deepest part of the ocean called?

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

What factor contributes to the neritic zone having the highest productivity?

<p>Clear waters allowing for photosynthesis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organism is adapted to withstand wave damage in the intertidal zone?

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

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the neritic zone?

<p>High pressure conditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental factor affects organism survival in the intertidal zone?

<p>Alternating exposure to air and water. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which zone contains the highest diversity of species in the ocean?

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

What is the primary environmental challenge faced by organisms in estuaries?

<p>Variability in salinity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of plant is specifically adapted to thrive in salty conditions in estuaries?

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

What physiological adaptation do clams exhibit in response to low salinity conditions?

<p>Closure of shells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do mussels and clams switch their respiration method when the salinity drops?

<p>From aerobic to anaerobic respiration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the water found in estuaries?

<p>Diluted brackish water (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do high tides play in the ecology of estuaries?

<p>They bring in additional nutrients to the ecosystem. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main types of freshwater biomes?

<p>Lakes, ponds, and wetlands (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the mixing of freshwater and saltwater in estuaries?

<p>It influences the salinity levels and ecology of the region. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is thermal stratification in lakes and ponds?

<p>The formation of distinct temperature layers in a body of water. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is most limiting for phytoplankton growth in lakes and ponds?

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

What impact do algal blooms have on aquatic environments?

<p>They can lead to severe oxygen depletion when algae die. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of organisms primarily occupy the photic layer of lakes and ponds?

<p>Phytoplankton, including algae and cyanobacteria. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to temperature layers in lakes during cooling temperatures and winds?

<p>The stratification is broken down and water mixes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which zone of lakes and ponds is primarily associated with decomposition?

<p>Aphotic zone where no light penetrates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do human activities affect the nutrient levels in lakes and ponds?

<p>They can increase nutrient levels through runoff from fertilizers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does zooplankton play in lakes and ponds?

<p>They consume phytoplankton and are a part of the food web. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Tropical Rainforests Precipitation

Tropical rainforests have wet months with over 30 cm of rain and dry months with less than 10 cm.

Tropical Rainforest Nutrients

High rainfall in rainforests quickly leaches nutrients from the soil, creating nutrient-poor soils.

Tropical Rainforest Layers

Tropical rainforests have distinct layers of vegetation: forest floor, understory, canopy, and emergent trees.

Tropical Rainforest Animals

Animals in tropical rainforests use the diverse layers and vegetation for food and shelter.

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High Net Primary Productivity

High temperatures and rainfall in rainforests support rapid plant growth, resulting in high net primary productivity.

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Tropical Dry Forests

Tropical dry forests have pronounced dry seasons and often lose leaves during this period.

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Dry Season Canopy Openings

Leaves falling in dry seasons allows sunlight to reach the forest floor and promote ground-level brush growth which is different from rainforest floor.

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Tropical Dry Forest Locations

Tropical dry forests exist in Africa, India, southern Mexico, and South America.

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Arctic Tundra Plants

Low-growing plants like shrubs, grasses, lichens, and small flowers that dominate the Arctic Tundra.

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Permafrost

Permanently frozen soil in the Arctic Tundra.

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Permafrost Impact on Roots

Limits root penetration into the soil due to the frozen state of the permafrost.

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Organic Matter Decay

The breaking down of organic matter in the Arctic Tundra, slowed by permafrost.

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Nutrient Release

The release of nutrients from organic matter is slowed by permafrost.

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Tundra Productivity

Productivity in the arctic tundra is low due to permafrost, but surges during brief summer thaw.

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Tundra Plant Cover

During the growing season, lichens and plants completely cover the Arctic Tundra ground.

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Aquatic Biomes Abiotic Factors

Aquatic biomes have different abiotic factors like light, temperature, water flow, and dissolved solids, that affect plant and animal life.

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Aphotic Zone of the Ocean

The part of the ocean where there is insufficient light for photosynthesis.

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Challenger Deep

The deepest part of the ocean, located in the Mariana Trench.

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Intertidal Zone

The ocean's region closest to land, alternately submerged and exposed by tides.

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Neritic Zone

Ocean zone extending from the intertidal zone to the edge of the continental shelf.

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Ocean depth average

The average depth of the ocean is 4267 meters or 14,000 feet.

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Ocean zones

The ocean is divided into different areas based on how far light penetrates and other conditions.

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Ocean productivity

The rate at which organic matter is produced in the ocean by photosynthesis and other processes.

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Intertidal organisms adaptation

Intertidal organisms are adapted to withstand drying, waves, and temperature changes.

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Temperate Forest Temperature Range

Temperatures in temperate forests range between -30°C and 30°C (-22°F and 86°F), dropping below freezing annually.

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Temperate Forest Precipitation

Temperate forests receive relatively consistent precipitation, ranging from 75 cm to 150 cm (29.5–59 in) annually.

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Temperate Forest Dominant Trees

Deciduous trees are the primary trees in temperate forests, with fewer evergreens.

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Boreal Forest Location

Boreal forests, also called taiga or coniferous forests, are found between 50° and 60° north latitude, spanning parts of Canada, Alaska, Russia, and northern Europe.

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Boreal Forest Precipitation

Boreal forests receive 40 to 100 cm (15.7-39 in) of precipitation annually, mostly as snow.

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Boreal Forest Plant Types

Cone-bearing plants dominate boreal forests due to the long, cold winters.

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Temperate Forest Soil Nutrients

Temperate forests have rich soil containing inorganic and organic nutrients due to leaf litter and reduced nutrient leaching.

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Boreal Forest Temperatures

Boreal forests have cold, dry winters and short, cool, wet summers.

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Ecosystem Services

The benefits that humans receive from ecosystems, such as clean water, food, and recreation.

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Thermal Stratification

The layering of water in lakes and ponds based on temperature, with warmer water at the surface and colder water below.

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Photic Zone

The layer of water in lakes and ponds where sunlight penetrates and photosynthesis can occur.

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Aphotic Zone

The layer of water in lakes and ponds where sunlight does not penetrate and decomposition takes place.

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Phytoplankton

Tiny algae and cyanobacteria that are the base of the food web in lakes and ponds.

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Zooplankton

Tiny animals that eat phytoplankton in lakes and ponds.

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Limiting Nutrients

Nutrients that are essential for plant growth but are present in limited amounts in lakes and ponds.

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Algal Bloom

An excessive growth of algae in lakes and ponds, often caused by excess nutrients.

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Estuary

A biome where a freshwater source meets the ocean, creating a mixture of fresh and saltwater.

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Brackish Water

The diluted saltwater found in estuaries, a mix of fresh and saltwater.

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Salinity in Estuaries

The saltiness of an estuary varies based on the flow of freshwater from rivers and tides.

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Halophyte

A plant adapted to tolerate high salt concentrations, often found in estuaries.

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Adaptations of Estuarine Organisms

Organisms living in estuaries have adaptations to deal with changing salinity levels.

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Mussel and Clam Adaptations

Mussels and clams close their shells and switch to anaerobic respiration when exposed to low salinity.

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Freshwater Biomes

These biomes include lakes, ponds, wetlands, rivers, and streams, all characterized by freshwater.

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Standing Water vs. Flowing Water

Freshwater biomes are categorized as either standing water (lakes, ponds, wetlands) or flowing water (rivers, streams).

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Study Notes

Oyster Reef Restoration

  • Efforts to clean and restore bays are hampered by pollution originating from other states, highlighting the need for interstate cooperation.
  • New oyster strains are boosting aquaculture, improving bay cleaning alongside generating economic value.

The Sulfur Cycle

  • Sulfur is crucial in forming proteins, as part of amino acid cysteine.
  • The sulfur cycle involves transfer between the oceans, land, and atmosphere.
  • Atmospheric sulfur dioxide (SO2) enters the atmosphere from:
    • Decomposition of organic molecules
    • Volcanic activity and geothermal vents
    • Burning of fossil fuels by humans.
  • Sulfur is deposited on land via precipitation, fallout, weathering, and geothermal vents.
  • Soil sulfates are absorbed by plants, which release sulfur back into the atmosphere as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) when they decompose.

Terrestrial Biomes

  • Two major abiotic factors determine a terrestrial biome: precipitation and temperature.
  • Eight major terrestrial biomes exist, each with distinctive characteristics including temperature variations, total precipitation, and fluctuations in precipitation.
  • Different biomes can be located in different geographic locations with similar climate profiles.

Tropical Rainforests

  • Also known as tropical wet forests, found in equatorial regions.
  • Highest diversity of terrestrial biomes.
  • Characterized by stable temperatures (20°C-34°C or 68°F-93°F), constant, daily sunlight, and high annual rainfall (250-450 cm or 8.2-14.8 ft).
  • Vertical layering of vegetation:
    • Sparse forest floor
    • Short shrub layer (understory)
    • Tree canopy layer.
  • High net primary productivity.
  • Soils typically have low nutrient content.
  • Found in parts of Africa, South America, and Asia.

Savannas

  • Grasslands with scattered trees, found in Africa, South America, and Australia.
  • Temperate conditions, characterized by average temperatures of 24°C-29°C (75°F-84°F) and rainfall of 51-127 cm (20-50 in).
  • A pronounced dry season, leading to frequent fires.
  • Plants have evolved well-developed root systems to quickly re-sprout after fires.

Deserts

  • Located between 15° and 30° latitude north and south.
  • Characterized by low and unpredictable precipitation (fewer than 30 cm or 12 in annually), high temperatures, and high evaporation.
  • Low species diversity, with adaptations to conserve water.

Chaparral

  • Also known as scrub forest, found in California and the Mediterranean Region.
  • Characterized by low annual rainfall (65-75 cm or 25.6-29.5 in), most of it falling during winter.
  • Very dry summers.
  • Dominated by shrubs, adapted to frequent fires.
  • Many plants produce seeds that germinate after fires.

Temperate Grasslands

  • Also known as prairies in North America and steppes in Europe.
  • Characterized by large fluctuations in temperature (hot summers, cold winters).
  • Annual precipitation varies from 25.4 to 88.9 cm (10 to 35 in).
  • Dominated by grasses, with few trees due to low rainfall, high frequency of fires, and grazing.
  • Rich, fertile soils due to the roots and rhizomes of grasses.

Boreal Forests

  • Also known as taiga or coniferous forests, found across Canada, Russia, and Northern Europe.
  • Characterized by cold, dry winters, short, cool summers, and low temperatures.
  • Annual precipitation ranges from 40-100 cm (15.7-39 in), mostly as snow.
  • Dominated by evergreen coniferous trees (e.g., pine, spruce, fir).

Arctic Tundra

  • Located in the Northern Hemisphere, also occurs at high elevations in mountainous regions.
  • Extremely cold winters and short cool summers.
  • Low annual precipitation (15-25cm or 6-10 in), mainly snow.
  • Dominated by low-growing plants, including low shrubs, grasses, lichens, and small flowering plants.
  • Permafrost (permanently frozen ground) limits the depth plant roots can grow.

Aquatic and Marine Biomes

  • Abiotic factors like light penetration, temperature, water flow, and dissolved solids significantly impact aquatic biomes.
  • Aquatic biomes include lakes, ponds, wetlands, rivers, and streams (flowing water), including ocean zones (e.g., photic, aphotic, neritic, benthic, abyssal).

Coral Reefs

  • Formed by marine invertebrates that live in warm, shallow waters of the photic zone.
  • Characterized by a mutualistic relationship between corals and photosynthetic algae.
  • Extremely diverse, supporting a large number of species (e.g., fish, invertebrates).

Estuaries

  • Where rivers meet the ocean.
  • Mixing of fresh and salt water.
  • Characterized by high diversity of species adapted to varying salinity levels.

Lakes and Ponds

  • Standing water bodies.
  • Stratification of water occurs at different temperatures creating layers.
  • Light penetration limits productivity to the upper layers.
  • Nutrient levels (particularly Nitrogen and Phosphorus) influence primary productivity.
  • Algal blooms can reduce oxygen levels.

Rivers and Streams

  • Flowing water bodies.
  • Abiotic factors like temperature and amount of sediment varied along the length of the stream.
  • Gradient, flow rate and water turbidity are important factors.

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