GEOGRAPHY - ecosystems

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ashika

Cards (71)

What is an ecosystem? 
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their non-living environment.
What are the key components of an ecosystem? 
The key components include biotic factors, abiotic factors, energy flow, and nutrient cycling.
What are biotic factors in an ecosystem? 
Biotic factors are the living organisms within an ecosystem.
What are abiotic factors in an ecosystem? 
Abiotic factors are the non-living physical and chemical elements in an ecosystem.
How does energy flow in an ecosystem? 
Energy flow usually starts with sunlight and is transferred through food chains.
What is nutrient cycling in an ecosystem? 
Nutrient cycling is the movement and recycling of nutrients within the ecosystem.
What is the difference between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems? 
Terrestrial ecosystems are land-based, while aquatic ecosystems are water-based.
What are examples of terrestrial ecosystems? 
Examples include forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundra.
What are examples of aquatic ecosystems? 
Examples include freshwater ecosystems like lakes and rivers, and marine ecosystems like oceans and coral reefs.
What is a key difference in oxygen availability between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems? 
Terrestrial ecosystems have abundant oxygen, while aquatic ecosystems have less dissolved oxygen.
How do temperature fluctuations differ between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems? 
Terrestrial ecosystems experience more rapid and extreme temperature changes compared to aquatic ecosystems.
How does light penetration differ between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems? 
In terrestrial ecosystems, light easily reaches the ground, while in aquatic ecosystems, light penetration decreases with depth.
What are the main types of terrestrial ecosystems categorized as biomes? 
The main types include forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundra.
What characterizes tundra ecosystems? 
Tundra ecosystems are characterized by permafrost, low-growing plants, and a short growing season.
What are the characteristics of freshwater ecosystems? 
Freshwater ecosystems include lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and wetlands.
What are the characteristics of marine ecosystems? 
Marine ecosystems include oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries, which are saltwater environments.
How does depth differ between freshwater and marine ecosystems? 
Oceans are generally much deeper than freshwater bodies.
What is ecosystem diversity? 
Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems within a given area.
How does biodiversity compare between freshwater and marine ecosystems? 
Marine ecosystems often have higher biodiversity than freshwater ecosystems.
Why is ecosystem diversity important for biodiversity support? 
Diverse ecosystems support different species, contributing to overall biodiversity.
What ecological services do various ecosystems provide? 
Different ecosystems provide services like water purification, carbon sequestration, and soil formation.
How does ecosystem diversity contribute to climate regulation? 
Diverse ecosystems help regulate local and global climates.
How does ecosystem diversity enhance resilience? 
A variety of ecosystems increases the planet's ability to recover from environmental changes.
What human benefits arise from ecosystem diversity? 
Ecosystem diversity provides resources for food, medicine, and economic activities.
How does ecosystem diversity contribute to scientific research? 
Diverse ecosystems offer opportunities for scientific study and discovery.
What aesthetic and cultural value does ecosystem diversity provide? 
Diverse ecosystems contribute to the beauty of our planet and hold cultural significance for many communities.
How does ecosystem diversity increase adaptability? 
It provides a variety of habitats and species that can respond differently to environmental changes.
What are biomes? 
Biomes are large-scale ecological areas defined by distinct climate conditions, plant and animal communities, and geographical features.
What are the key characteristics of biomes? 
Biomes span large geographical areas, have characteristic climate patterns, support specific types of vegetation and animal life, and can be found on multiple continents.
In which continents can the tropical rainforest biome be found? 
The tropical rainforest biome can be found in South America, Central Africa, and Southeast Asia.
What are the two main groups of biomes? 
Terrestrial (land) biomes
Aquatic (water) biomes
List the main types of terrestrial biomes. 
Tundra
Taiga (Boreal Forest)
Temperate Deciduous Forest
Temperate Grassland
Temperate Rainforest
Tropical Rainforest
Tropical Savanna
Desert
List the main types of aquatic biomes. 
Freshwater (lakes, rivers, streams)
Marine (oceans, coral reefs)
Wetlands (swamps, marshes)
What is a characteristic of the tundra biome? 
The tundra biome has a very cold climate and low-growing plants like mosses and lichens.
What type of trees are found in the taiga biome? 
The taiga biome is characterized by coniferous trees such as pine and spruce.
What are the key features of the temperate deciduous forest biome? 
The temperate deciduous forest has four distinct seasons and trees that lose leaves seasonally.
Describe the climate and vegetation of the tropical rainforest biome. 
The tropical rainforest biome is warm and humid year-round with dense, diverse vegetation.
What is a defining characteristic of the desert biome? 
The desert biome has very little precipitation and sparse vegetation like cacti and succulents.
What are the characteristics of lakes and ponds in freshwater biomes? 
Lakes and ponds are standing water bodies with varying depths and temperatures that support diverse plant and animal life.
What distinguishes rivers and streams from lakes and ponds? 
Rivers and streams are characterized by moving water that carries sediments and nutrients.