biosphere

• What are abiotic components in an ecosystem?

  Non-living environmental factors that influence the ecosystem
• Give examples of abiotic components.

  Climate, light exposure, soil type
• What does altitude measure?

  The height of the land above sea level
• What is altitudinal zonation?

  The presence of distinct bands of vegetation types at different elevations
• What causes altitudinal zonation?

  Changes in environmental conditions with altitude
• What is a biome?

  A large, distinct region of the Earth with similar climate, soil, plants, and animals
• What is the biosphere?

  The living layer of Earth between the atmosphere and lithosphere
• What are biotic components?

  Living organisms that interact with the environment and each other
• What does the Boserupian theory propose?

  The demands of a growing population will always be met by human innovation
• What is carbon sequestration?

  The long-term capture and storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
• Describe the coniferous forest biome.

  A biome located at high latitudes, characterized by conifer trees and a cold climate
• What are consumers in an ecosystem?

  Organisms that receive energy from consuming living organisms
• What are decomposers?

  Organisms that break down organic material and release nutrients back into the ecosystem
• Describe the desert biome.

  A biome located around 30° north and south of the equator, characterized by low precipitation and extreme temperature fluctuations
• What is an ecosystem?

  A natural system where a community of plants and animals interact with each other and their physical environment
• What is eutrophication?

  The growth of algae in water due to excess nutrients, leading to oxygen depletion
• What is a food chain?

  A linear relationship showing biotic interactions within an ecosystem, from a producer to a final consumer
• What is the hydrological cycle?

  The continuous transfer of water throughout Earth
• Who are indigenous peoples?

  The earliest known settlers in an area
• What is industrialisation?

  The development of the industrial sector in a country or region
• What does the Malthusian theory state?

  Population growth increases exponentially while resource supply increases linearly
• Describe the Mediterranean biome.

  A biome located 40-45° north of the equator, characterized by mild, moist winters and hot, dry summers
• What is nutrient cycling?

  The transfer of nutrients through an ecosystem from the decay of organic material to the production of living organisms
• What are producers in an ecosystem?

  Organisms that convert energy from the environment into sugars
• Describe the savanna biome.

  A biome located around 15-30° north and south of the equator, characterized by high temperatures and very dry summers
• Describe the temperate deciduous forest biome.

  A biome located around 40-50° north and south of the equator, characterized by deciduous trees and moderate precipitation
• Describe the temperate grassland biome.

  A biome located in non-coastal areas around 30-40° north and south of the equator, characterized by low precipitation and grasses
• What is transpiration?

  The evaporation of water from plants
• Describe the tropical rainforest biome.

  A biome located near the equator, characterized by very high precipitation and sustained warm temperatures
• Describe the tundra biome.

  A biome located in the far northern hemisphere, characterized by very cold conditions and permanently frozen soils
• What is urbanisation?

  The increase in the proportion of the population living in urban areas