All Flashcards
What are the key processes in the carbon cycle?
Photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion.
What are the key processes in the nitrogen cycle?
Nitrogen fixation, nitrification, assimilation, ammonification, denitrification.
What are the key processes in the phosphorus cycle?
Weathering, absorption by plants, consumption by animals, decomposition.
What are the key processes in the hydrologic cycle?
Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, infiltration.
Why is understanding biomes important?
They are the major 'neighborhoods' of the planet, categorized by climate and biomass.
Why is the carbon cycle important?
Key for understanding climate change due to carbon's role in trapping heat.
Why are the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles important?
Important for plant growth and often influenced by agricultural practices.
Why is the water cycle critical?
Essential for clean water access and understanding water pollution.
How are the cycles interconnected?
Changes in one cycle can affect others, impacting biomes and environmental conditions.
What determines a biome?
Primarily temperature and precipitation patterns.
What is the role of producers?
Producers (plants) are at the bottom of the trophic levels.
What is the role of consumers?
Consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores) are above producers in the trophic levels.
What is the role of decomposers?
Decomposers break down dead organisms.
What drives adaptation and evolution?
Limited resources drive adaptation and evolution, leading to the diversity of life.
Significance of climate in defining biomes?
Primarily determines the type of biome, based on temperature and precipitation.
Why is the carbon cycle important?
Key for understanding climate change; regulates atmospheric temperature.
Why are nitrogen and phosphorus cycles important?
Essential for plant growth and heavily influenced by agricultural practices.
Why is the water cycle important?
Critical for clean water access and understanding water pollution.
What is the 10% rule?
Only about 10% of energy is transferred between trophic levels.
How does energy move through an ecosystem?
Energy decreases as you move up trophic levels.
How are biomes categorized?
Categorized by climate (temperature and precipitation) and biomass (plants and animals).
What drives adaptation and evolution?
Limited resources drive adaptation and evolution.
What is the relationship between the carbon cycle and climate change?
Excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps heat, leading to climate change.
What are the major types of biomes?
Terrestrial (land-based) and aquatic (water-based).