principles of ecology - powerpoint 2

Questions and Answers

Which characteristic best distinguishes tropical rainforests from tropical seasonal forests?

Presence of emergent trees above the canopy (correct)

Lower diversity of plant species

Existence of multiple climate zones within the forest

Higher adaptability to dry seasons

What is the primary factor that influences plant growth in tropical rainforests?

Frequency of wildfires

Light intensity and availability (correct)

Availability of nutrients in soil

Presence of large herbivores

How do tropical savannas primarily differ from tropical dry forests?

Savannas experience more consistent rainfall year-round

Both contain evergreen tree species

Dry forests are located exclusively at higher altitudes

Savannas have a mixture of grasslands and trees (correct)

What major human activity has impacted the landscape of tropical seasonal forests and savannas?

Conversion to cropland and pasture Signup and view all the answers

What key climatic factor defines the location of deserts on Earth?

High-pressure zones at latitudes of 30° N and S Signup and view all the answers

What type of vegetation is commonly found in arid desert regions?

Plants with succulent stems for water storage Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about temperate grasslands is accurate?

They rely heavily on frequent wildfires to maintain ecosystem balance. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does overgrazing in arid grasslands have on the environment?

Grassland degradation and potential desertification Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the impact of irrigation in arid regions?

It can lead to salinization of the soil. Signup and view all the answers

What role do mangroves play in tropical coastal zones?

They provide nutrients to other marine ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

Which organism is primarily affected by the changing conditions in rocky intertidal zones?

Sessile organisms like barnacles and mussels. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of seagrass beds in shallow ocean zones?

They provide habitat for larval stages of many organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor significantly influences algal growth in seagrass beds?

Nutrient run-off from agricultural activities. Signup and view all the answers

How do organisms in deep benthic zones primarily obtain food?

Through filter-feeding from the water. Signup and view all the answers

What type of ecosystems are formed when depressions in the landscape fill with water?

Lentic ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

Which zone is characterized by the presence of macrophytes and reaches the bottom of the water body?

Littoral zone Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary food source for animals, fungi, and bacteria in the benthic zone?

Detritus Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of deep lakes is often associated with their nutrient content?

Small surface area Signup and view all the answers

What type of waters are typically found in estuaries?

Brackish water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor influencing marine organisms?

Terrain elevation Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of shallow coastal wetlands known as salt marshes?

Dominance of grasses and rushes Signup and view all the answers

What role do juvenile fish species have in estuarine environments?

They live in these protected environments. Signup and view all the answers

How do nutrients and sediments from rivers affect estuarine productivity?

They contribute positively to productivity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these organisms are primarily found in the pelagic zone?

Plankton Signup and view all the answers

What primarily categorizes terrestrial biomes?

Dominant plant growth forms and environmental characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best explains the definition of a biome?

A biome is a large-scale ecosystem influenced by physical environmental factors. Signup and view all the answers

What does a climate diagram primarily illustrate?

Average monthly temperature and precipitation patterns at a location Signup and view all the answers

Why is there a bias towards vegetation in the study of biomes?

Plants are stationary and have slow turnover, making their study more feasible. Signup and view all the answers

When does water availability start to limit plant growth according to the climate diagram?

When the precipitation curve falls below the temperature curve Signup and view all the answers

In the context of biomes, which factor is least relevant to their categorization?

Taxonomic relationships among different species Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the lithosphere as it relates to the biosphere?

Earth’s surface crust and upper mantle. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'morphological responses' refer to in the study of biomes?

The changes in shape and structure of organisms due to environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is common to temperate shrublands and woodlands?

They feature evergreen shrubs and trees. Signup and view all the answers

What role do fires play in temperate shrublands?

They help maintain the biome. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the leaves of trees in temperate deciduous forests?

They are deciduous and fall in winter. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the soil in temperate evergreen forests often nutrient-poor?

The leaves are acidic and decompose slowly. Signup and view all the answers

What has contributed to the decline of old-growth temperate evergreen forests?

Logging and replacement with non-native species. Signup and view all the answers

What type of climate is characteristic of temperate shrublands?

Cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the frequent occurrence of fire have on temperate shrublands?

It allows for the growth of invasive grasses. Signup and view all the answers

What has led to the shift in species composition in temperate forests?

Nutrient depletion from agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of the suppression of fires in temperate evergreen forests?

Rise in intensified forest fires when they occur. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has contributed to the reduced size of temperate shrublands?

Urban development. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biomes Overview

The biosphere is the zone of life on Earth, situated between the lithosphere (Earth's crust and upper mantle) and the troposphere (the lowest layer of the atmosphere).
Biomes are large-scale terrestrial ecosystems characterized by dominant plant types and environmental conditions.
The biome concept focuses on morphological similarities in organisms rather than taxonomic relationships.

Climate and Biomes

Climate diagrams represent average monthly temperature and precipitation, illustrating seasonal patterns vital for plant growth.
Water availability becomes critical when precipitation is insufficient to support plant biomass.

Tropical Rainforests

Located between 10°N and 10°S with abundant rainfall and high biodiversity (50% of Earth's species).
Light availability is essential for plant growth, requiring adaptations like emergent trees and shade-tolerant understory species.
Rising temperatures threaten photosynthesis in tropical forests, with recent data indicating a potential breakdown at a 4°C increase.

Tropical Seasonal Forests and Savannas

Found north and south of wet tropics; marked by wet and dry seasons.
Features include shorter, deciduous trees, grasses, and shrubs; fire plays a crucial role in savanna maintenance.
Human activities have significantly reduced these biomes, converting land into agriculture and pastures.

Deserts

Located at high-pressure zones (30° N/S) with very low moisture and high temperatures.
Vegetation is sparse with adaptations like succulent stems for water storage.
The diversity of plants can be high, featuring drought-deciduous shrubs and annuals that thrive post-rain.

Temperate Grasslands

Situated between 30° and 50° latitude; characterized by warm, moist summers and cold, dry winters.
Maintained by frequent fires and grazing herbivores; high soil fertility is an asset.
Agriculture has largely replaced these grasslands, leading to degradation and desertification.

Temperate Shrublands and Woodlands

Found between 30° and 40° latitude; characterized by evergreen shrubs and trees.
Mediterranean climates feature cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers, with sclerophyllous leaves adapting to drought.
Fire occurrences are necessary to prevent forest encroachment and support ecosystem balance.

Temperate Deciduous Forests

Located between 30° and 50° N on moist continental edges; dominated by deciduous trees such as oaks and maples.
Supports a variety of species but less diversity compared to tropical forests.
Historically significant agricultural areas which have led to loss of old-growth forests.

Temperate Evergreen Forests

Found between 30° and 50° N/S in coastal and maritime zones with high rainfall.
Lower biodiversity relative to tropical and deciduous forests; extensive logging has depleted old-growth stocks.
Air and water pollution impacts these forests significantly, affecting species health.

Freshwater Biological Zones

Lakes are classified into lentic ecosystems; shallow lakes tend to be nutrient-rich while deep lakes are often nutrient-poor.
Pelagic, littoral, and benthic zones play distinct roles in aquatic ecosystems, with differing species distribution.

Marine Biological Zones

Oceans cover 71% of Earth's surface, classified by proximity to shorelines and ocean depths.
Estuaries blend fresh and saltwater, providing essential habitats for juvenile fish and high nutrient productivity.
Coastal wetlands, like salt marshes and mangrove forests, are vital for biodiversity and ecosystem services, though threatened by human activities.

Rocky Intertidal and Shallow Ocean Zones

Rocky intertidal zones are characterized by unique organisms able to withstand variable conditions; essential studies have originated from this habitat.
Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and kelp forests represent the most productive marine ecosystems, supporting diverse marine life and important ecological functions.

Deep Benthic Zones

Characterized by extreme conditions (near-freezing temperatures, high pressure); populations are generally sparse.
Organic-rich sediments support specialized organisms like sea cucumbers and bioluminescent species that lure prey for feeding.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Explore the critical concepts of biomes and climate in ecology with this quiz tailored for PCB 4043. Delve into Earth's neighborhoods, including both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and understand how they relate to each other and ancient Egypt. Perfect for students interested in environmental science!