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Introduction to Ecology

Introduction to Ecology. Chapter 52. Climate. …is the average long-term weather of an area; varies with differing amounts of solar energy received by different places on Earth.

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Introduction to Ecology

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  1. Introduction to Ecology Chapter 52

  2. Climate • …is the average long-term weather of an area; varies with differing amounts of solar energy received by different places on Earth. • Solar energy input determines temperature, precipitation, and air and ocean circulation patterns which leads to different climates and vegetation patterns.

  3. Uneven Heating • Regions near equator are hot due to more direct sun rays, concentrating energy in a smaller area. • Regions near poles are cold due to the acute angle of rays. • Regions in between have intermediate temps.

  4. Seasonal Changes • The 23.5 degree axis tilt causes regions to receive more direct rays during certain times of the year. • Our winter = northern hemisphere tilted away from sun. • Our summer = northern hemisphere tilted toward sun.

  5. Hadley Cells • …vertical convection cells that distribute heat and moisture over earth’s surface. • Warm moist air rises, dropping precip. • Air moves N or S, then falls as cool dry air.

  6. Global air circulation • Most precip tends to fall at equator (rainforests), tapering off towards 30 degrees latitude. • Dry air descends at 30 degrees (deserts). • Precip falls again at 60 degrees (decid. and conif. forests). • Dry air descends at poles.

  7. Coriolis Effect and Winds • Due to the rotation of the earth, air masses don’t just move N and S. • Air masses (winds) in northern hemisphere are deflected to the right. • Winds in southern hemisphere deflected to the left.

  8. Microclimates • …local climates that differ from the general climate of a region due to local topography. • …formed by: • Rain shadow effect: more arid conditions on leeward sides of mountain ranges. • Cities: buildings block wind, absorb and emit heat. • Land breezes/Sea breezes: day to night differences in coastal areas. • Altitude: climate colder as elevation increases.

  9. Rain Shadow Effect

  10. Aquatic Biomes • Saltwater (marine): • Oceans • Estuaries – semi-enclosed area; saltwater mixes with freshwater. • Coastal wetlands – land areas covered with water at least part-time. • Freshwater: • Standing (lentic) – lakes, ponds, inland wetlands. • Flowing (lotic) – stream and river systems.

  11. Coral reefs: High diversity and productivity. Grow slowly, disrupted easily, need certain temp and nutrients. Problems: warming trends, destruction. Inland wetlands: Marshes, swamps, prairie potholes, floodplains. Vital breeding grounds. Water purification. Flood control. Areas of Concern

  12. Terrestrial Biomes • Have characteristic climate and plant life. • Here is an incomplete list of biomes: • Temperate Forest Coniferous ForestTaiga TundraTemperate Grassland SavannasChaparral/Mediterranean Scrub DesertTropical Rain Forest

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