Biosphere Study Guide.gdoc

Climate & Climate Zones 1. Three factors that describe the climate of a location: ​ Temperature ​ Precipitation ​ Wind patterns 2. Climate zones: a. Tropics: Located near the equator (between 23.5°N and 23.5°S).​ - Temperature: Generally warm to hot year-round. b. Temperate: Found betw...

Climate & Climate Zones 1. Three factors that describe the climate of a location: ​ Temperature ​ Precipitation ​ Wind patterns 2. Climate zones: a. Tropics: Located near the equator (between 23.5°N and 23.5°S).​ - Temperature: Generally warm to hot year-round. b. Temperate: Found between the tropics and polar regions (between 23.5° and 66.5° latitude). - Temperature: Moderate, with distinct seasons (hot summers, cold winters). c. Polar: Found at the poles (66.5°N and 66.5°S). - Temperature: Very cold year-round. Why does it get colder towards the poles? ​ As you move toward the poles, sunlight strikes at a lower angle, spreading its energy over a larger area and providing less heat. 3. Rain shadow effect: ​ Definition: A dry area on the leeward (downwind) side of a mountain range, caused by moist air being blocked by the mountains, which loses moisture on the windward side. ​ Leeward side characteristics: Often dry or desert-like conditions due to lack of moisture in the air. 4. Ocean currents and their effect on climate: ​ Ocean currents transfer heat across the planet and affect weather patterns. ○​ California's current: Cold current (California Current). ○​ Cold currents: Found on the west coasts (e.g., California, Peru). ○​ Warm currents: Found on the east coasts (e.g., Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic). ​ Coastal vs. continental climates: Coastal climates are moderated by the ocean, leading to milder temperatures with less temperature variation, while continental climates experience more extreme temperature changes due to the lack of oceanic influence. 5. Koppen classification system: ​ It classifies climates based on temperature, precipitation, and seasonal patterns. 6. Climate zone, class, and subclass of where we live (North Carolina):  ​ North Carolina is in the temperate zone, with a humid subtropical climate (Cfa in Koppen classification). 7. Microclimate: ​ A localized climate within a larger region that differs from the general climate of the area. ​ Example: A city park surrounded by buildings can have a cooler, shaded microclimate compared to the surrounding urban heat island. 8. Coastal vs. inland areas in winter: ​ Coastal areas are generally warmer than inland areas due to the ocean's ability to retain heat. 9. Heat island: ​ An urban area that experiences higher temperatures than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities and buildings that retain heat. ​ Example: New York City is a heat island. 10. Biome: ​ A biome is a large geographical biotic community, defined by climate, soil, plants, and animals. ​ Biotic factors: Living components (plants, animals). ​ Abiotic factors: Non-living components (temperature, water, sunlight). Biomes: Characteristics & Adaptations 11. Characteristics of biomes: a. Tundra:​ - Climate: Very cold, low precipitation, short growing seasons. - Plants: Mosses, lichens, grasses.​ - Animals: Arctic fox, caribou, polar bears.​ - Adaptations: Thick fur, small plants, ability to store heat. b. Taiga (Boreal Forest):​ - Climate: Cold, long winters, short summers.​ - Plants: Conifer trees (pines, spruces).​ - Animals: Moose, wolves, lynx.​ - Adaptations: Thick fur, hibernation, conical tree shape to shed snow. c. Deciduous forest:​ - Climate: Four distinct seasons, moderate rainfall.​ - Plants: Oak, maple, birch.​ - Animals: Deer, foxes, squirrels.​ - Adaptations: Leaves shed in winter, animals hibernate or migrate. d. Desert:​ - Climate: Hot and dry, little precipitation.​ - Plants: Cacti, succulents.​ - Animals: Snakes, lizards, camels.​ - Adaptations: Water storage, nocturnal activity, thick skin. e. Grasslands:​ - Climate: Seasonal droughts, moderate precipitation.​ - Plants: Grasses, some shrubs.​ - Animals: Bison, prairie dogs, lions (savanna).​ - Adaptations: Deep roots, herbivores with grazing adaptations. f. Rainforest:​ - Climate: Warm, humid, year-round rain.​ - Plants: Tall trees, vines, epiphytes.​ - Animals: Monkeys, parrots, insects.​ - Adaptations: Fast growth, large leaves, camouflage, and diverse species interactions. 12. North Carolina biome: ​ Most of North Carolina is in the temperate deciduous forest biome. 13. Ice Age: ​ A period of long-term reduction in Earth's temperature, leading to the expansion of ice sheets and glaciers. ​ Sea level: Sea levels drop as water is trapped in ice sheets. 14. El Niño: ​ Effect on currents: The warming of the Pacific Ocean affects the El Niño current. ​ Pressure changes: The atmospheric pressure over the eastern Pacific drops, and rises in the western Pacific. ​ Wind system: The trade winds weaken or reverse. ​ Importance of cold upwelling: Upwelling along the Peruvian coast brings nutrient-rich waters, supporting fisheries. ​ Effect on fisheries: When water warms, upwelling decreases, leading to poor fish harvests. ​ Global effects: El Niño affects global weather patterns, causing warmer winters in some areas and droughts in others. 15. Sunspot activity: ​ Effect on Earth's climate: Sunspots can lead to cooler temperatures, as fewer sunspots can result in lower solar radiation (as in the Maunder Minimum, which contributed to the Little Ice Age). 16. Elliptical orbit: ​ A more elliptical orbit means that Earth is closer to the sun during some parts of the year, causing more extreme seasonal variations in climate. 17. Volcanic eruptions: ​ Volcanic eruptions can release aerosols and ash into the atmosphere, cooling Earth's climate temporarily by blocking sunlight. 18. Extra CO₂ and global climate: ​ Effect on climate: CO₂ is a greenhouse gas that traps heat, leading to global warming. ○​ Agriculture: Warmer temperatures can disrupt growing seasons, affecting crop yields. ○​ Species diversity: Some species, particularly amphibians, are highly sensitive to temperature changes. ○​ Ecosystem balance: Altered temperatures can disrupt food chains, causing species loss. ○​ Weather events: Increased temperatures can lead to more frequent and intense storms, droughts, and floods. ○​ Sea level rise: Melting ice sheets and glaciers from warming cause sea levels to rise. ​ Glaciers and sea level: Glaciers store vast amounts of water; when they melt, sea levels rise. ​ Plate movement and sea level: Plate tectonics can also affect sea level by creating landforms like mountains or ocean basins. ○​ Coastal impacts: NC's shorelines and barrier islands are vulnerable to flooding due to rising sea levels. ○​ Ocean acidification: Increased CO₂ makes oceans more acidic, harming marine life, especially shellfish. Biodiversity & Human Impact 19. Biosphere: ​ The biosphere is the zone of life on Earth, consisting of all living organisms and their interactions with the environment. 20. Biodiversity: ​ Genetic biodiversity: Variability in genetic traits within a species. It's crucial for adaptability and survival. A species losing genetic diversity can become more susceptible to disease or environmental changes. ​ Most biodiverse biome: The rainforest has the most biodiversity due to its warm, stable climate and variety of habitats. ​ Least biodiverse biome: The tundra has the least biodiversity because of its harsh, cold conditions. 21. Threats to biodiversity: ​ Invasive species: Non-native species that harm local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources. ○​ Example in NC: The emerald ash borer is an invasive species harming ash trees. ​ Overharvesting: Taking too many resources from nature, depleting species. ​ Habitat alteration: Destruction of natural habitats, such as deforestation or urbanization. 22. Impact of biodiversity loss: ​ Loss of biodiversity disrupts ecosystems, reduces food security, and affects ecosystem services like water purification and pollination. 23. Preventing biodiversity loss: ​ Conservation efforts: Establishing protected areas, restoring habitats, controlling invasive species, and promoting sustainable resource use. Essay Questions, Biomes Abiotic/biotic Trophic levels